In Latvia will conduct a “purge” of Russian teachers
RIGA, 6 Jul — RIA Novosti. The state language centre of Latvia, which intend to carry out mass checks of knowledge of the Latvian language in schools of national minorities, coordinated this intent with educational institutions and will not carry out any cleansing, said in an interview with radio Baltkom Deputy head of the center Ingrida Berzina.
Previously, the language Centre stated that in connection with the decision on the transfer of schools of national minorities to the Latvian language of training will be tested on language proficiency of teachers in these schools.
“All these inspections have been agreed with schools. Part of the educational institutions have already received the notification with all the details on upcoming inspections. It indicated that we are ready to meet the teachers and choose for the checks time convenient to them. Neither the inspector will not come to school unannounced. We all take into account and we will make our effort not to interfere with the educational process,” said Berzina.
The official assured that the centre is not intended to dismiss the teachers, because it is not part of his duties. “We recognize that it is connected with political processes in the country. But this is no cleaning! We have no purpose to fire someone or get rid of some teachers. The language centre does not possess such authority, we are just stating the level of knowledge of the language. In the worst case, we can assign an administrative fine,” said Berzina.
Previously verified the knowledge of the Latvian language among teachers was conducted in the 2014-2015 academic year. Then the state language Centre stated “significant” number of violations, Berzina did not specify the number fined or fired teachers.
Inspections will begin this month and will last until you check all the schools. The President of Latvia Raymond Vejonis on 2 April signed a law on the transfer of schools of national minorities to the Latvian language of training.