Having warmly welcomed the guests, Education Minister, Misir Mardanov talked about ties established between Korea and Azerbaijan in recent years. He underlined the ties have developed more on the base of friendly relationship existing between presidents of two countries. Noting the effective cooperation existing in the education field, the Minister underlined that currently, more than 25 students from Azerbaijan are studying at universities of the Republic of Korea within the State Program for study of Azeri youth in the foreign countries in 2007-2015. Moreover, there are conducting some works on learning the Korean language in Azerbaijan. Further, Mr. Mardanov talked about works that will be implemented to establish the Vocational Education Center, and expressed assurance about the positive solution of the issue. Lee Ji-ha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Azerbaijan, thanked the Minister for the warm reception. He talked about the development of cooperation between two countries, fruitful ties existing in the education field, and the interest of Korea in Azerbaijan. He underlined the establishment of Vocational Education Centre will positively affect this relationship. Moreover, the Ambassador noted that the Korean delegation will conduct the research works in the relevant direction until the end of this month, and stressed the importance of participation of representatives of the relevant state bodies in the presentation that planning to be given at the Ministry of Education at the end. In addition, he noted that they are planning to establish the Vocational Education Centre in June. Misir Mardanov wished every success to the delegation’s work on creating the centre and underlined the relevant departments of the Ministry will provide them with the necessary assistance. Jeong Jae Moon, project manager for Korean Human Resources Development Service informed about the project and works planning to be done. Further, were discussed the relevant works that will be implemented within the above mentioned centre.

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Aydin Ahmadov, Director of Department for general education on rural areas gave information on the main activities of the department, as well as allocation of staff duties. He also gave detailed information on preparation of legal documents within the Education Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan, organizational works, researches and studies within the sub- component of Continuation of a curriculum reform and Supporting Implementation of Curriculum. Moreover, there was held the Republican qualifying round of talented pupils within the execution of State programme for development of creative potential of children (youth) with special talent (2006-2010). In addition, he underlined works done within the establishment of Small Academies for the V grades' pupils with special talent of schools defined in the eight regions of the country. A. Ahmadov gave information on works implemented within the competitions of “The best general education school” and “The best teacher”, essay contest devoted to the 87th anniversary of nation-wide leader Heydar Aliyev among VII-XI grades of general education schools and initial vocational institutions, and the 44th International Mendeleev Olympiad of pupils. He also informed on preparation of curriculums and programs, attending of conferences and seminars; queries received from citizens, as well as works will be done in 2011. Namig Mammadov, Director of the Vocational department, gave information about works done by the department in last year, and allocation of duties and activities of the department. He talked about contingent of teachers and pupils, given the use the electronic vocational education website, and fields that alumni were provided with. According to him, for the first time, there were published electronic textbooks on nine copies for the last 20 years. Noting the important works done within the studying of demand for specialities, and labour market, he paid attention to measures implemented in the framework of projects for Development of vocational schools, and Improvement of vocational training. He also noted the international practice in the relevant field have been studied, and informed on projects for “Staff preparation on green technology” and “Development of the initial vocational education in the agriculture.” Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, has charged both departments with future assignments, and to prepare the relevant documents.

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Hicran Mammadova, Deputy Director of General Department, gave information on the main activities of the department, its structure and allocation of staff duties. She noted that the Ministry of Education had received 51552 documents in 2010. According to her, 23600 of them are requests and complaints, and 27952 are letters. She underlined that requests and complaints were allocated among organizations, distributed to structures, and also informed on the entrance indicators on cities and regions, and control letters executed in 2010.   Moreover, Hijran Mammadova noted that 7251 people were accepted, and 4758 requires were answered in 2010. According to her, the requires mainly were connected with granting diplomas, as well as with job provision, transfer from and restitution to universities, transfer of pupils from schools, granting reference to students studied abroad to present it to the military registration, confirmation of diplomas, and, etc. Deputy Director noted other issues for the future. Allahverdi Damirov, director of Self-financing Department for capital construction gave information on works done in 2010. He noted that the main responsibilities of the department are to held monitoring at the educational institutions, build the new schools and extra buildings, prepare offers on the definition of establishments with the need for the reconstruction and capital mend and presented them to the relevant bodies. Moreover, the department implements the technical control over the construction works to conduct them in accordance with the project- estimation documents and ensure the cost of constructional works. A. Damirov informed that last year the department built and gave to use 27 new schools, extra building for 840 pupils at one school. Furthermore, seven institutions were reconstructed and capitally repaired.       He noted that 20.65 million AZN were allocated for mend and reconstruction of schools and kindergartens. Moreover, 388 facilities, including 356 schools and 22 kindergartens were repaired. Furthermore, he emphasized the works on the construction of 24 new schools and extra building for 560 pupils at one of the schools are being successfully continued and will be given to use in 2011. He also gave information on the provision of schools with learning equipments, renewal of pre-school education, works done within the state programs for the development of chess and technical-vocational education, as well as on works that will be done in 2011. There were held discussions on reports, and all questions of the participants were answered.

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Ilham Pirmammedov, Director of the Apparatus, gave information on the main activities of the Apparatus, its structure and allocations of staff duties. He noted in the last year, there were implemented works to establish the cooperation between departments of the Ministry, and prepare, discuss and conclude documents of the Ministry and order’s projects. Moreover, the relevant works were done to implement the control over the execution of the unified state education policy and education legislations at private universities. Furthermore, illegal educational institutions were identified and closed down in the last year. According to him there were prepared about 40 legal documents in accordance with the Education Law, and they were discussed and executed after being agreed with the relevant ministries. According to information given by him, in 2010, there were held six meetings of the board, and prepared the relevant order within the execution of the board’ decisions and distributed to the appropriate bodies. I. Pirmammadov also informed on the current situation existing at general and pre-school educational institutions, and talked about students, teachers and pedagogical staff. He also spoke about the execution of the plan for admission of students to universities, detecting fake educational documents and their abolishment in the prescribed manner. Moreover, he talked about learning the demand for the state educational documents of educational institutions, their generalizations and organization of their order. In addition he noted writing of the “History of the education” book, works done within the execution of the project on “Coryphaeus of the Azerbaijan national education.” Further, he gave a presentation on works done by the departments for Recognition of educational documents, Pre-school education, Law, as well as Special Department in 2010. He gave information on activities of the Department for recognition of educational documents and noted that documents received by the department have been considered by the Expert Group. According to him, there was prepared the special computer program on recognition of educational documents. He also gave information about works that had been done in the field of mutual recognition of diplomas, responsibilities and functions of the pre-school education department, newly built and reconstructed kindergartens. Talking about distribution of 39 learning materials published by the order of the Ministry to pre-school educational institutions, execution of the appropriate program and projects, as well as planning works, I. Pirmammadov underlined measures implemented by the Special Department and Department for Law to execute the documents, and relevant issues. Questions on the report were answered at the end.

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Bayram Huseynzadeh, Director of the Public Relations Department, informed about tasks, activities, and structure of department, as well as allocation of staff duties. He also noted works done within the measures implemented in 2010. Having emphasized works executed by the Department in the last year, B. Huseynzadeh noted that participation of media representatives in approximately 200 events was secured, and conferences were held.  Moreover, over 30 employees of the Ministry, famous educators and international consultants had participated in various television and radio broadcasts, were organized about 450 interviews with them, as well as official information, press releases and presentations were given to media. He gave detailed information on the Round Table entitled “Educational institutions and Media: bilateral relations” organized jointly with the Press Council, the State Media Support Fund under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Baku city Education Department at school #60. According to him, the Round Table was held in accordance with the Action Plan signed in 2010 by the Ministry of Education and Press Council to improve cooperation with the media. Moreover, he talked about the regional conference on the theme of “Education and media” jointly organized in Horadiz, Fizuli, by the Ministry of Education, State Media Support Fund under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Press Council, and underlined that the heads of leading media, as well as directors of the Education Departments of Fizuli, Agdam, Agjabedi, Beylagan, Khojavand, Bilasuvar, Jabrail, Barda and Lachin districts attended the event. B. Huseynzadeh noted that there was conducted the essay contest devoted to the 135th anniversary of the newspaper “Azerbaijan muallimi” among journalists on the theme of  “Education and Media: support for increased professionalism.” According to the results of the contest one person took the first, two the second and three the third places, and 10 journalists were awarded with incentive prizes. In addition, B. Huseynzadeh noted works done within the Public awareness sub-component of the Second Education Sector Development Project, as well as the content, usability and richness of the database of the official website of the Ministry of Education. He also noted a high interest in the website of the Ministry. Moreover, he stressed that the website of the Ministry of Education became the winner of the “Milli-Net-2010” competition Referring to significant changes in design, form and content of the Azerbaijan muallimi newspaper, Head of Department informed that the newspaper is printed in A3 format and consists of 16, 24 and 32 pages. He stressed that a new website of the newspaper was given to use last year, as well as spoke about future responsibilities. Naila Rzaguliyeva, Director of Baku city Education Department, spoke about the structure, areas of activity of Department, as well as works done to improve the education management, and gave statistical indicators of the number of teachers, schools and students. According to her, the average teaching load of teachers working at schools should amount to at least 18 hours, and it is a major demand for schools hiring teachers through the contest. She talked about pre-school and general educational institutions subordinated to the Department, as well as indicators of construction works, the provision ratio of one computer for 21 students studying in XI-V classes of secondary schools in Baku. N. Rzaguliyeva said that 264 schools subordinated to the Department are connected to the Internet, and a number of educational institutions to the project “Electronic School.” Touching upon the work done towards the use of audio-visual learning aids, N. Rzaguliyeva reported that in most schools of Baku biology, physics, chemistry and history subjects has been taught on the base of the electronic textbook. She stressed that compared to previous years in 2010-2011 school year 44.83% of graduates of Baku schools became students. According to her, this figure reached 48% along with the students studied abroad. Noting there were conducted various knowledge competitions, subject Olympiads, essay contests, exhibitions and sports tournaments in 2010; N. Rzaguliyeva emphasized successes that have been reached. She said that last year, 5,867 teachers were involved in training courses, 2014 teachers in various topical courses, 1,681 teachers, who will teach in I-III grades, in curriculum based courses. Further, Head of Department informed on works done to improve the methodology, workload of teachers, the steps taken for the transition to a single school uniform. She reported on applications and appeals received by the Department, enumerated indicators for acceptance of citizen, and offers made by them in order to successfully completed assignments. At the end, Education Minister, Misir Mardanov expressed his opinion on reports and gave advice and instructions on several issues.

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11861 queries were received by telephone, 1371 through e-mail and 75% of them are requests and information. In general, over 60% of queries were connected with general schools, about 5% of them with pre-school educational institutions, 1% with extra-school establishments, 5% with vocational education institutions, 20% with universities, and 7% with secondary special educational institutions. The Hotline received 143 calls in January and February, 356 in March, 1003 in April, 958 in May, 4200 in June, 1871 in July and August, 2083 in September, 1854 in October and November, and 764 calls in December. 60-70% of queries received each month were connected with schools of Baku, and they had been investigated by the Baku city Education Department. During the complaints' investigation, it was found out that 108 (34.5%) of them are anonymous. Moreover, there was revealed that 99 complaints (31.6%) are not accurate, and in 8 cases they are fully or partially true. According to studies, directors of schools #26, 37, 61, 79, 110, 141, 192, 208, 228 and 321 of Baku were fired for not fulfilling their responsibilities, and directors of schools #38, 94, 139, 151, 176, and 270 received reprimands, as well as director of school # 146 a warning. Based on information received from schools #18, 76, 119 and 258 a number of teachers, and supervising teachers have received administrative penalty by the school management. Complaints related to the prevention of acquisition of schools’ territory and lacks of heating were investigated, and were made an appeal to relevant organizations. Most of the complaints were received from cities of Ganja, Sumgait, Mingechevir, Shirvan, and Absheron, Yardimli, Dashkesan, Zagatala,  Khachmaz, Tovuz, Tartar, Lenkaran, Shabran, and Lerik regions. The vast majority of queries received from Absheron were complaints. Thus, most of the complaints were connected with the organization of sale of uniforms and unwanted books mandatory, and collecting money for the fund. There were conducted the investigation in connection with this issue and results were discussed at the Ministry of Education. Director of Education Department of Absheron district had received appropriate instructions to solve the problem in the short period of time. In addition, one secondary school teacher was fired for selling school uniform. Workers of the service and relevant departments of the Ministry replied to queries related to the hiring of teachers to schools on a competitive basis, distribution of lessons, delivering textbooks to pupils, as well as transfer and restoration of students to the universities, tuition fee, and, etc. Queries related to the organization of centrally conducted final exams in secondary schools accounted for 45 per cent of all queries. Number of requests has been connected with the organization, conduction and results of international and national Science Olympiads. The Hotline had continuously received queries in working days in order to provide an objective assessment of students' knowledge in higher and secondary specialized schools during winter and summer sessions of 2009-2010 school years, and eliminate the negative consequences. Moreover, queries received by the Hotline and Anti-Corruption Working Group of the Ministry during January - June had been investigated by the staff of Ministry and volunteers working in NGOs. Number of queries received during the winter and spring exam sessions of 2009-2010 school years from the private universities were more than complaints received from state higher and secondary special schools. There were received a lot of calls at the beginning of 2010-2011 school year in connection with the transfer of students of two private universities which activities were suspended. According to the results of investigations conducted based on queries received by the Hotline, individuals had received a reprimand, and also there were implemented other administrative penalties. Moreover, there were conducted investigations at Marine Fisheries College and Vocational school #6 of Baku in November. It was connected with complaints for delay payment of stipends to students, social benefits and wages of employees. In accordance with the Labor code (paragraph “a” of the second part of Section 186) Directors of Marine Fisheries College and Vocational school #6 of Baku received the warning, as well as there were given a reprimand to accountants of these educational institutions. Information about queries received by the Hotline and results of investigations had been periodically published on the website of the Ministry of Education, newspaper “Azerbaijan muallimi”, and “Tehsil kheberleri” magazine, and on other press bodies.

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Abdulla Mehrabov, Director of the Institute gave information on the history of the institute and its structure. He noted that centers for Theoretical Research in Education, Curriculum, and Applied Research in Education, Monitoring and Assessment, Initial Vocational Education Development are operating at the Institute. A. Mehrabov, gave information about the activities and research directions of the Centre for Theoretical Research in Education. He also stressed preparation of preschool curriculum at Curriculum Centre and successes achieved in this area, the study of the situation in the application of new curriculum and researches in general education curriculum. Moreover, he talked about works implemented by the Centre for Applied Research in Education and Centre for Monitoring and Assessment within the State Program for the development of creative potential of children (youth) with special talent, and problems connected with the assessment of pupils’ achievement. Noting the establishment of Centre for Initial Vocational Education Development, A. Mehrabov added that the main research fields of the centre are forecasting the staff training process in the initial vocational education, preparation of new standards, application of different specialty curriculums, structure of vocational institutions, improvement of its management mechanism, optimization of network, and, etc. Moreover, he talked about international relations of the Centre, publication of scientific works of institute’s staff, activity of Education Research Coordination Council, training of pedagogical staff, and staff potential of the institute. According to the information given by him, last year the institute held researches on 73 topics encompassed 13 problems of education. Works on 8 topics encompassed 4 problems were completed and the results of works were generalized and sent to institutions to be applied. In conclusion, he gave information on queries received by the institution headed by him.        Further, Asef Zamanov, rector of Baku Advanced Training and Retraining Institute of Pedagogical Cadres, gave a presentation on works done in 2010. Noting the high role of advanced training and improvement of pedagogical cadres in the development of quality in education, A. Zamanov said that the system is very useful in terms of studying new technologies, spread of best practices, and improvement of knowledge of teachers. He underlined that, the main purpose of advanced training institutions is to improve professionalism and skill of teachers. He also gave information on the structure of institute, its staff, and activity of Scientific Council. A. Zamanov underlined the importance of Department for Educational Innovation creation. According to him, Department for organization and management of education was established at the Institute in order to implement changes in the management system of education, and increase the quality of the training process. It also was noted that famous professors and teachers of Ministry of Education, Baku city Education Department and universities are invited to the deliver the lectures.   A. Zamanov informed that there was held a contest for the best department, best teacher, and best researcher categories last year and winners were defined. He noted taken into account the number of participants at the courses, there was paid a special attention to the composition of lecturers. Thus, famous experts were invited to the courses as a lecturer. It was noted that last year 30 lecturers out of 200 invited to the institute were PhD, and 70 were the doctor of philosophy.    According to him, last year there were implemented works to alleviate lacks existing in the advanced training and retraining area. He informed that about 10 thousand teachers were involved in retraining courses and 7728 of them have finished them. Moreover, he underlined works done in the retraining area, scientific-research fields, international relations of the institute, as well as future responsibilities.  At the end questions on reports were answered, as well as were made some suggestions. Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, gave his recommendations for future work to rectors of both institutes, and announced completion of reports.

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Education Minister, Misir Mardanov attended lessons of Khumar Ahmadbeyli, teacher of Lyceum, in 5“A1” class devoted to the theme of “Traces allow to restore the past” and Ilhama Abdullayeva, in the 4 “A1” class, in the theme of “Dividing by 1-digit number” held by interdisciplinary curriculum. The lessons of six teachers were attended at the seminar. After lessons the Minister visited some classes of the Lyceum and met with teachers and pupils. During the meeting, Zulfiyya Veysova, director of Lyceum, gave full information about teachers, classrooms, as well as their design. She underlined the parents took an active part in the creation of high level environmental training. The Minister expressed satisfaction with what he had seen at Lyceum, and highly appreciated the favorable conditions created in different classes, as well as positive aspects that he had noticed in classes. Moreover, the Minister has underlined the importance of close relations between teachers and parents. Further, there were held discussions on lessons. The Minister and other participants underlined the organization of lessons in the high level, demonstration by teachers a methodical mastery, active participation of pupils in lessons, and widespread use of the modern training methods in lessons. Zulfiyya Veysova, Director of Baku European Lyceum, gave a presentation on the interdisciplinary learning program (ILP) and noted it has been successfully applied at the school for several years. She had answered to the number of questions of participants on the presentation. The manuals on ILP prepared by the Lyceum were handed over to participants. Deputy Minister of Education, Isgandar Isgandarov, the heads of relevant departments of the Ministry, staff of some universities and director of a number of schools attended the seminar.

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 Speaking at the meeting, Khalid Yahudov, Chairman of the Accreditation Committee for the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, noted the organization of learning program of the Academy and its analysis in conformity with the demand for standards of state education. Moreover, there was studied the level of knowledge of last course students to learn the quality of expert training.  He noted that in accordance with the decision of Scientific Council of the university 62 specialties were presented for attestation from the Bachelor and 60 from the Master levels. Kh. Yahubov also gave information on achievement indicators of students, and number of staff of the Academy. In addition, he underlined the highest and lowest quality indicators on specialties, and recommendations gave by the Committee. Education Minister, Misir Mardanov informed that recently there has been marked the 90th anniversary of the Academy, and emphasized the importance of discussion of the Committee’s decision at Scientific Council of Academy. He expressed belief in positive impact of Commission’s decision on the quality of training at the Academy. The Minister also underlined the possibility of involvement the international experts in the accreditation of universities. At the end, there were exchanged views on discussed issue, and questions of participants were answered.

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 The Minister of Education, Misir Mardanov welcomed the meeting participants and underlined the support of ministries of Finance, Economic Development, Labor and Social Protection of Population, and other government bodies to works implemented in the vocational education development field. He noted that in accordance with the offer made by South Korea in 2007 there was achieved an agreement to implement the project for creation of Vocational Education Centre. Moreover, there were organized mutual visits of experts and solved some organizational issues. According to the Minister, the government of South Korea will allocate 22 million US dollars to create the Centre for Vocational Education. Furthermore, about 800 people will study at the centre on 8 specialties during the year. The Minister noted that at the center, which will be established on the base of Baku Vocational Lyceum #4, will be organized 2-year full-time, and part-time courses. The Minister stressed that the president considers the development of vocational and technical education a priority issue, and expressed confidence in successful implementation of the tasks ahead. Jung-Jae Moon, representative of the Korean Human Resources Development Service, has thanked everyone for their assistance in establishing the vocational education center on advanced technologies, and gave information about the main priorities of the project. The guest noted that individuals graduated from the general, secondary and higher educational institutions will be able to get a vocational education. According to him, the center will be set up training conditions that meet the highest requirements, and students will be provided by the hostel. Lee Ji-Ha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Azerbaijan, noted the importance of the project. Having stressed his country's interest in bilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan, the Ambassador expressed his confidence in successful implementation of this project. At the end, there were exchanged views on the issue and works that will be implemented. 

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