Quality education is a fundamental prerequisite for the future prosperity of the Czech Republic.
For more detailed information on all these areas, we offer this policy paper, which highlights some of the problematic nodes in the Czech education system and proposes solutions that can help make the whole system more efficient.
The policy paper presents 15 recommendations for the areas of nursery, primary, secondary and higher education, adult education, school health and inclusion:
- Kindergarten capacity problems: insufficient kindergarten capacity in some regions, especially around Prague. Contributions to public infrastructure from developers may be one measure.
- High rates of deferrals to Grade 1: Uniform rules for granting deferrals, pilot projects and systemic measures to reduce deferral rates.
- Fragmentation of the system: There are 4261 primary schools in the Czech Republic, with 25% of schools having fewer than 50 pupils. We propose to promote cooperation and interdependence of schools - federated schools.
- PHmax and payments for operational staff: need to set clear rules and predictability of the funding system.
- School principals: Defined criteria for when a principal can be removed without fear of litigation. Establish a methodology for the selection process for school principals. Institutionalize the position of senior director.
- Digitisation of the admissions procedure and the single entrance exam for upper secondary schools: adding tests of skills and learning prerequisites. Testing in primary schools with the participation of a commissioner.
- Unified Baccalaureate: the option to take the vocational or practical baccalaureate.
- Clarifying the system of financing universities: The opaque funding system and the need for greater financial control while maintaining academic freedoms.
- Evaluation of science and research results: The need to review and define areas of excellence.
- Promoting career-oriented fields: improving career guidance for secondary school students.
- Retraining: de-bureaucratising the complex process of approving new courses, simplifying access to retraining courses and better promoting courses.
- The importance of diet: school canteens as a key place for healthy eating.
- Motion support: Focus on regular movement for overall health.
- Inclusive approach: supporting the individual needs of children.
- Support for children with combined disabilities: providing specialist support and funding.
The unabridged version of the policy paper is available here:
