With 85 votes in favor and 10 against, the ruling party “Georgian Dream” has adopted amendments to the Law on General Education through an accelerated procedure.
Under the changes, full general education will now consist of no fewer than 11 and no more than 12 years, distributed as follows:
Primary level – 6 years (Grades I–VI)
Basic level – 3 years (Grades VII–IX)
Secondary level – 2 years (Grades X–XI) plus an optional twelfth year (Grade XII)
Additionally, the starting age for primary education is set at 6 years, which a child must reach by 15 September of the given year.
The reform abolishes the system of granting official approval (“grifi”) to school textbooks. Instead, the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth will develop the official school textbooks, ensure their printing, and provide them to schools free of charge for temporary use by students.
The Ministry will also define the general rules for students’ use of electronic communication devices, including mobile phones, in public schools.
At the primary level, wearing a school uniform will become mandatory, with the design also approved by the Ministry.
In cases where a teacher is dismissed due to violence against a student, the Ministry will determine the corresponding sanctions.
