Georgia to introduce two-level education system

The 12-year-long education system in Georgia is not quite reasonable, as pupils of senior classes often miss lessons; therefore, their training in these classes should be voluntary. This was stated today by President Mikhail Saakashvili at his meeting today with top officials of the Ministry of Education.

Mr Saakashvili has initiated introduction, starting from the new school year, of a two-level education system, that is, mandatory 10 years, while further training in the 11th and 12th forms will be voluntary, for those pupils who plan to enter higher educational establishments, the "GHN" reports.

"Apart from enforcement, children should be interested in going to school. Therefore, and I welcome it, we pass over to the 10-year and 12-year-long education," said the President.

Mikhail Saakashvili also said that Georgia is now certifying its high school teachers; those who successfully pass it, will get increased salaries. "We also anticipate one thousand English-speaking teachers who will start teaching English in all cities and villages of Georgia from the new school year," the "Rosbalt" quotes him as saying.