Publication date: 03.06.2024
Lawyer, graduated from the National University "Odesa Law Academy" with honors. Since 2017, I have been specializing in legal and educational and general legal issues. I am the author of legal articles, scientific publications and articles in the educational environment. Mentor of the "Veritas" legal clinic. The owner of the legal blog "Educational_law_ua" on Instagram.
Introduction
Educational reform in Ukraine has become one of the key directions of state policy in recent years. The main goal of the reform is to improve the quality of education, ensure equal access to educational institutions for all citizens, and prepare young people for the modern challenges of a globalized world. One of the important aspects of this reform is the formation of a network of educational institutions aimed at optimizing educational infrastructure and enhancing the efficient use of resources.
Legislative Framework
The basis for the reform of the educational network is the Law of Ukraine "On Education," adopted in 2017. This law defines the principles on which the educational system of Ukraine is based, including decentralization of management, autonomy of educational institutions, ensuring the quality of education, and funding. The law also sets new standards for preschool, general secondary, vocational (technical), and higher education.
Main Principles of Forming the Network of Educational Institutions
Decentralization
One of the key principles of the new educational reform is the decentralization of education management. This involves transferring a significant portion of powers from central executive bodies to local self-government bodies. This approach allows for the consideration of regional specifics, ensures more efficient use of resources, and promotes the development of local educational initiatives.
Autonomy of Educational Institutions
The law provides for granting greater autonomy to educational institutions in making decisions regarding the organization of the educational process, choice of curricula, budgeting, and personnel management. The autonomy of educational institutions enhances their responsibility for educational outcomes and stimulates continuous improvement.
Optimization of the Network of Educational Institutions
One of the important tasks of the reform is the optimization of the network of educational institutions, which involves closing ineffective and unprofitable schools, merging schools, and creating hub schools in rural areas. Optimization aims to use material and financial resources rationally and to ensure all students have access to quality education.
Procedure for Forming the Network of Educational Institutions
Planning and Analysis
The first stage in forming the network of educational institutions is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the existing educational infrastructure. This includes assessing the number and condition of educational institutions, analyzing demographic indicators, studying the population's needs for educational services, and forecasting their future changes.
Based on this analysis, a plan for optimizing the network of educational institutions is developed. It includes specific measures for reorganizing, merging, or closing schools and creating new educational institutions, particularly hub schools in rural areas.
Community Involvement and Public Discussion
An important element in forming the network of educational institutions is involving the community in decision-making. Local self-government bodies should organize public discussions where residents can express their opinions and suggestions regarding the optimization of the network of educational institutions. This approach increases trust in the reform and considers the interests of different social groups.
Plan Implementation
After approving the plan for optimizing the network of educational institutions, the implementation stage begins. This includes carrying out organizational measures for reorganizing or closing educational institutions, transferring students and teaching staff to new schools, and resolving issues related to material and technical support and funding.
Monitoring and Evaluation
A crucial stage is the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the results of the optimization plan for the network of educational institutions. This allows for identifying problems and deficiencies, making timely adjustments, and ensuring the achievement of set goals. Monitoring is carried out both at the local self-government level and at the central executive bodies level.
Impact of the Reform on the Educational System
Advantages
The implementation of the new educational reform and the formation of a modern network of educational institutions have several advantages. First, it ensures equal access to quality education for all students regardless of their place of residence. Second, the optimization of the network allows for more efficient use of financial and material resources. Third, decentralization and the autonomy of educational institutions enhance their responsibility for educational outcomes and stimulate continuous improvement.
Challenges and Risks
At the same time, the process of forming the network of educational institutions is accompanied by certain challenges and risks. One of the main risks is the possibility of social tension due to the closure of schools, especially in rural areas. This may cause dissatisfaction among residents and resistance on their part. Another challenge is ensuring sufficient funding and material and technical support for newly created or reorganized educational institutions.
Legal Aspects and Regulation
Legislative Acts
The main legislative acts regulating the process of forming the network of educational institutions are the Law of Ukraine "On Education," the Law of Ukraine "On General Secondary Education," as well as a number of by-laws and normative documents of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. These acts define the procedure for creating, reorganizing, and closing educational institutions, requirements for their material and technical support, funding, and management.
Role of Local Self-Government Bodies
Local self-government bodies play a significant role in the process of forming the network of educational institutions. They are responsible for developing and implementing plans for optimizing the network of educational institutions, organizing public discussions, ensuring funding and material and technical support. In addition, local self-government bodies monitor the quality of education and compliance with legislation in the field of education.
Judicial Practice
Judicial practice also plays an important role in regulating the process of forming the network of educational institutions. In the event of disputes between local self-government bodies, educational institutions, and citizens, courts consider such cases and make decisions based on current legislation. This contributes to protecting the rights and interests of all participants in the educational process.
Conclusion
The formation of a modern network of educational institutions according to the new educational reform is an important and complex process that requires a comprehensive approach and the involvement of all interested parties. The analysis of documents and legal analysis of the situation suggests that the implementation of the principles of decentralization, autonomy of educational institutions and optimization of educational infrastructure contributes to the improvement of the quality of education and ensuring equal access to it for all citizens. At the same time, our written consultation emphasizes that for the successful implementation of the reform, it is necessary to take into account possible challenges and risks, to ensure adequate funding and logistical support, as well as to carry out constant monitoring and evaluation of the results, which is why the consultation of a lawyer or the legal opinion of the lawyer of YM "Consultant" will help in this case.
In conclusion, the new educational reform and the formation of a modern network of educational institutions is an important step on the way to the creation of an effective and high-quality educational system that meets the requirements of modern society and contributes to the comprehensive development of the individual.
