Interaction among actors is needed to raise the quality of education

The KLGI Institute, in cooperation with the Association of Kosovo Municipalities (AKM), held a public discussion on the topic “Education Policies at the Local Level”, to discuss the challenges facing education at the local level and to identify problems and the need for intervention in this field.

Participants in this meeting were representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Directorates of Education from all municipalities of the Republic of Kosovo and representatives of civil society organisations.

Municipalities face many challenges in the education sector; nevertheless, work must be done to improve the enrolment of children in pre-school education, as this is an important period of life for the development of personality, and to increase the inclusion of children with special needs and of members of marginalised social groups.

Above all, we need an effective strategic plan that requires inclusiveness, a high level of awareness, a focus on results, close and systematic oversight, and the strengthening of the pupil–teacher–parent triangle.

Therefore, curricula must be implemented competently, the quality of textbooks must be improved and, above all, the quality of teaching must be improved at all levels of the education system.

While MEST is responsible for policy-making, curricula, inspection and creating optimal working conditions in schools, municipalities are responsible for the performance of schools.

However, through joint involvement, a system must be built that provides transparency and effective accountability at all levels of the education system, including improved school management, an efficient system for teacher licensing, assessment of school performance, and the improvement of pupils' knowledge and skills.

Above all, there is a need for greater focus and interaction among all mechanisms in addressing challenges, whether financial or functional. A clear definition of tasks and responsibilities will strengthen the mechanism for quality and results control.

Thus, the problems are interdependent, while the solutions must be systematic, increasing the support and involvement of all actors in deciding what the model of education and schooling for future generations should be, including by analysing the needs and demands of the market and offering pupils more practical skills.

This activity falls under the pillar of improving the public policy cycle at the local level and is carried out within the project ‘Support for Stronger and More Sustainable Municipalities (SSSM)’, funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kosovo.