“I pledge that when we complete all phases of reforms - education sector will dominate in our economy, which will contribute at least 10-12 percent in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”, says Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze.
Recently Georgian government has made a divisive announcement that it will abolish standardized graduation exams (CAT). High schoolers will get diplomas without any standardized exams. Government plans to reform United National Exams as well. Starting from 2020 exams will be conducted in three compulsory subjects instead of four. Moreover, from 2020 universities have the privilege to determine the minimum passing grades themselves. Government thinks that these changes will increase the efficiency of education system.
Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze notes that radical changes are needed in the sector of education.
“I need to sincerely confess that problems in the education system and science are still a lot and it is impossible to overcome these challenges without radical adjustments. Deficit was created in the education sector of the country over years, which needs to be addressed immediately. The most pressing challenge is that economic development has been distanced from education and science. It is the greatest blow on our economic potential.
This year we increased the State Budget Allocations by 2.5 times towards this end. I do not wish to see only so called elite or prestigious schools in Georgia. Every single school should be successful and of very high quality”,- says Bakhtadze.
Currently education accounts for 4% of Georgia’s GDP.
