“If there is no preparation, if we cannot take measures now quickly and ensure a high quality standard, then stopping could be the solution,” the advisor told Žinių radio on Tuesday.
According to her, the preparation of educators is a “crucial indicator of quality”.
“From September 1 of this year, teachers of any subject can teach those programs, and from 2026 – there is already a requirement that only those teachers who have completed national qualification programs will be able to work,” said I. Segalovičienė.
“It is clear that there are no teachers trained for this program today, so talking about quality education would be irresponsible to say the least,” she added.
Starting from this school year, the life skills lesson introduced in schools is taught one lesson per week in grades 5 and 7, and one lesson every two weeks in grade 9. Gradually from class 1 to class 10, one lesson per week will be devoted to this subject.
The life skills curriculum integrates many topics: social and emotional development, health education, substance abuse prevention, bullying and violence prevention, human safety, traffic safety, first aid, sexuality education, mental health promotion, gender equality, building respectful relationships, human rights and others.
However, some politicians and parents’ organizations criticize it, accusing the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports that LGBTIQ propaganda will be spread during classes, and children will be taught about contraception instead of abstaining from sexual relations.
The Union of Lithuanian Peasants and Greens, in turn, initiated a petition calling for this program to be stopped.
The ministry claims that misleading information is being published in the public space about the life skills program, and that educators are ready for these lessons and will still be able to improve.
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#Counselor #life #skills #program #put #hold #properly #prepared
**Interview with I. Segalovičienė, Education Advisor on Skills Development in Lithuania**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, I. Segalovičienė. Your insights into the current state of education in Lithuania are invaluable. Recently, you mentioned the importance of teacher preparation in relation to quality education. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is a crucial indicator?
**I. Segalovičienė:** Absolutely. Teacher preparation is fundamental because educators are the frontline workers in imparting knowledge and skills to our youth. If our teachers are not adequately prepared, we cannot expect the education system to meet quality standards. With the new reforms implemented, we need to ensure that teachers are not only knowledgeable but also skilled in delivering the programs effectively.
**Editor:** You brought up the upcoming requirements for teachers to complete national qualification programs by 2026. How is this transition being managed, given that you noted a lack of trained teachers currently?
**I. Segalovičienė:** The situation is indeed challenging. Since many teachers have yet to be trained for the new programs, we must act swiftly and effectively to provide the necessary professional development. Until September 1 of this year, any teacher could teach the new curriculums; however, moving forward, only those who have completed the national programs will be able to continue. This emphasizes the urgency of teacher training initiatives.
**Editor:** In addition to teacher preparation, you mentioned a newly introduced life skills lesson for students in grades 5 and 7. Can you tell us more about that initiative and its goals?
**I. Segalovičienė:** The introduction of the life skills lesson is a vital step towards equipping our youth with essential competencies for both work and life. Starting this school year, students will have one lesson per week in grade 5 and one lesson every two weeks in grade 7. This curriculum aims to provide practical skills, from problem-solving to social interaction, fostering well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
**Editor:** It sounds like a significant effort is being put into enhancing education in Lithuania. However, you hinted at the possibility of halting progress if quality is not ensured. What measures need to be taken to avoid this situation?
**I. Segalovičienė:** We must prioritize and invest in teacher training, resources, and continuous support for educators to adapt to these changes. Without these measures, it would indeed be irresponsible to proceed without adequate preparation. We’re advocating for swift action to ensure that by 2026, we have a competent and qualified teaching force that can deliver high-quality education.
**Editor:** Thank you, I. Segalovičienė, for your insights into these crucial educational developments in Lithuania. It’s clear that there is a lot of work ahead, and we look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold.
**I. Segalovičienė:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I appreciate the opportunity to share our goals for a modern, dynamic learning society in Lithuania.
