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.
The modern educational system of Ukraine is undergoing significant transformations aimed at improving the quality of education and optimizing the educational network. One of the key elements of this reform is the introduction of the concept of Educational Support Institutions (ESIs). An Educational Support Institution plays an important role in ensuring access to quality education for children, especially in rural areas and sparsely populated regions.
Legislative Definition and Regulatory Framework
An Educational Support Institution is defined by Ukrainian legislation as a general secondary education institution that has appropriate material and technical resources, personnel, and the ability to provide educational services at a high level. According to the Law of Ukraine "On Education," Educational Support Institutions are created to ensure equal access to quality education for all children, regardless of their place of residence.
The legislative framework regulating the activities of ESIs includes:
- Law of Ukraine "On Education" - defines the basic principles and directions of educational policy, including the creation of educational support institutions.
- Law of Ukraine "On General Secondary Education" - regulates the organization and activities of general educational institutions.
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Approval of the Procedure for the Creation and Functioning of Educational Support Institutions" - establishes the criteria and procedure for the creation and functioning of ESIs.
Criteria for Establishing an Educational Support Institution
To establish an Educational Support Institution, certain criteria established by regulatory documents must be met. The main ones include:
- Material and Technical Base: Availability of modern equipment, specialized classrooms, sports and other infrastructure facilities.
- Personnel Potential: Qualified pedagogical staff capable of ensuring a high level of education.
- Information and Communication Technologies: Implementation of modern ICTs to ensure effective learning.
- Transport Provision: Organization of student transportation from remote settlements.
Functional Features of Educational Support Institutions
Educational Support Institutions are required to perform a range of functions aimed at ensuring a quality educational process. The main functions of ESIs include:
- Educational Function: Providing quality general secondary education for all students, regardless of their place of residence.
- Methodological Function: Providing methodological support to other educational institutions, developing and implementing innovative teaching methods.
- Coordination Function: Coordinating actions with other educational institutions in the region for optimal resource utilization and ensuring continuity of education.
- Social Function: Promoting the social integration of students, fostering civic activism, and patriotic education.
Advantages and Challenges of Educational Support Institutions
Advantages
- Improvement of Education Quality: Concentrating resources in one institution allows for a higher level of education and better conditions for students.
- Optimization of School Network: Establishing ESIs enables the rational use of material and human resources, reducing costs for maintaining small schools.
- Accessibility of Education: Providing student transportation from remote areas ensures equal access to quality education for all children.
- Regional Development: Creating ESIs contributes to the socio-economic development of regions, increasing their investment attractiveness.
Challenges
- Logistical Difficulties: Organizing student transportation from remote settlements can be challenging due to poor roads and distance.
- Personnel Issues: It is not always possible to provide ESIs with a sufficient number of qualified pedagogical staff.
- Community Resistance: Closing small schools and transferring students to ESIs may cause dissatisfaction among local residents.
- Financial Costs: Establishing and maintaining ESIs requires significant financial investment, which can be challenging for local budgets.
Conclusion
The analysis of documents and the legal analysis of the situation establish that supporting educational institutions are an important component of reforming the educational system of Ukraine. They contribute to the improvement of the quality of education, ensure equal access to education for all children, regardless of their place of residence, and contribute to the optimization of the use of resources. However, this written consultation of the lawyer determines that the creation and functioning of the OZO is accompanied by certain challenges that require attention from the state and local authorities.
For the successful implementation of the concept of supporting educational institutions, it is necessary to ensure adequate funding, organize effective logistics for the transportation of students, provide institutions with qualified teaching staff, and conduct explanatory work among the public. Only under the condition of a comprehensive approach, it is possible to achieve the set goals and ensure high quality education for all children of Ukraine. And if you have any questions, the help of a lawyer's consultation UM "Consultant" will be quite appropriate.
