The meeting was attended by Education Minister Misir Mardanov, Finance Minister Samir Sharifov, and Deputy Head of the Cabinet of Ministers Department Gurban Amirov, as well as heads of higher educational institutions. Education Minister Misir Mardanov welcomed the attendees and gave a presentation on the theme of “Current situation connected with the application of new funding mechanisms in the higher education, initial results and proposals.” According to the Minister within the President Ilham Aliyev’s order on “Application of New Funding Mechanisms at Higher Educational Institutions” issued on February 10, 2010, since 2010-2011 school year, the funding of higher educational institutions at the expense of the state budget has been implemented based on per capita funding. He informed that workers of the Ministries of Education, Finance, and Economic Development are holding regular meetings to discuss the application of new funding mechanisms in higher education. Moreover, normative documents were prepared within the application of new funding mechanisms. He also gave information on the acceptance plan approved according to the State order for the bachelor and master’s levels.  According to the Minister funds allocated to the Ministry of Education to fund staff training were distributed to the account of 33 universities. The Minister said that regardless of the form of property and their subordination, equal conditions were created for all higher educational establishments due to the application of new funding mechanisms, as well as a wide range of options for entrants and students to choose from. Mr. Mardanov underlined the assistance of the Ministries of Education and Finance to universities within new funding mechanisms and noted there were prepared the proper documents on paying off tuition fee of the refugee students at the expense of state budget. The Minister noted that the number of students admitted to universities in accordance with the state order has decreased due to the new funding mechanism. However, the number of students admitted on the paid education base has increased. According to him the funds allocated to staff salaries from the extra-budgetary expenditures will be increased. Furthermore, he gave information on the initial results of the application of new funding mechanisms, expressed its ideas on staff training issues, and made some proposals. Finance Minister Samir Sharifov noted the importance of holding regular meetings at the Ministry of Education connected with the application of the new funding mechanism. According to him, extra-budgetary expenditures for universities and spending for the staff training should be organized more efficiently. From this viewpoint, he reminded the seminar/meeting of chief accountants of universities that was held with the participation of officials of the Ministries of Education and Finance, and underlined that the Ministry of Finance will further provide any assistance to support the development of universities.  At the end the attendees exchanged views around of the discussed issue.

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First, Education Minister Misir Mardanov, Head of Nasimi District Executive Power Nasib Mahamaliyev, Director of Baku City Education Department Naila Rzaguliyeva and other officials attended Nursery and Kindergarten No. 76 located in Nasimi district. They became acquainted with the music, pre-school and computer classrooms, as well as with bedroom of the establishment, and expressed satisfaction with the done works.  Education Minister congratulated teaching staff, as well as children and parents on the opening of kindergarten. Speaking about the development of education in the country, Minister noted that all the construction work made possible by the attention and care of President Ilham Aliyev.  Further, Mr. Mardanov, deputy head of Khatai District Executive Power Islamkhan Aliyev and other guests took part in the opening of Nursery and Kindergarten No. 288 located in Khatai district. They became acquainted with the establishment and highly appreciated the work done for the overhaul of the kindergarten.

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1881 queries were received by phone and 226 via e-mail. All enquires were considered and recorded. Queries requiring a special investigation have been sent to the relevant organizations; as well as address queries were responded in writing.   The majority of queries were inquiring about centrally conducted test exams in the IX and XI classes of secondary schools, new mechanism for the reception of teachers to work, organizing, conducting and getting information on results of Republican Subject and International Olympiads, as well as organization and conduction of Best Teacher of the Year contest and study abroad. Other queries were about providing teachers with the teaching load, counting the wages, recognition of educational documents and, etc. Some queries were about problems existing at the pre-school, secondary, vocational, secondary special and higher educational establishments. There have been conducted the investigation, and implemented relevant measures to eliminate the problems. More than 10 per cent of queries received by the Hotline were consisted of complaints. They were from secondary schools of Baku (75 queries), Absheron (15), Lerik (8), Agdash (7), Agdam, Guba, Barda (5), Gadabay, Agjabedy, Sabirabad, Jalilabad, Neftchala, Gusar (3), Yardimli, Lachin, Zagatala (2), Gabala, Shabran, Sheki, Agsu, Dashkesen, Yevlakh, Gakh, Bilasuvar, Salyan, Siyazan, Khachmaz, Goychay, Goygol, Shamakhi, Beylegan, Ismayilli, Agstafa, Lenkeran (1), Sumgayit, Ganja (3) and MIngechevir (1). Thus, from secondary schools of the country were recorded 173 queries, and all of them were sent to be investigated. Organization of the teaching process at the schools lacks in the material and technical provision, shortcomings in the management of school directors, sale of the school uniform, textbooks and different editions, use of the heating with a break, school repairs and other issues have been reflected on enquiries addressed to the Hotline.    8 queries received from the pre-school educational establishments were about the admission of children to these establishments, violation of hygiene rules; menu, which is not complying with nutritional standards, and other shortcomings. These queries have been investigated as well. Moreover, there were taken relevant steps to eliminate the problems.  Furthermore, 11 out of 34 enquiries received by the Service on higher educational establishments were from the state and 23 from non-state universities. They were about the delay of stipend payments or their incorrect counting, delay in delivering educational documents, as well as the violation of appeal rules on results of the winter session examinations, etc.  A vast majority of queries received from the private universities were from Azerbaijan International University, which had been closed. 4 queries received from colleges were about inability of teacher to handle a job, assistance provided to get an educational document from the second specialized school and other issues.  These queries also were investigated. According to the results of conducted investigations were revealed that diplomas of teachers of Giyamadinli village school of Agjabedy district N. Gambarova and Abad village secondary school of Agdash district A. Amrahova were a fake. Documents were sent to the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan to execute a relevant measurement. The teachers were fired. Moreover, deputy director of school No. 37 of Baku N. Aliyeva has received a severe reprimand with a final warning, director of the mentioned school I. Aliyev the reprimand, and director of Nursery and Kindergarten No. 153 Sh. Musayeva the severe reprimand.

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Speaking at the opening Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted that the Hotline service of the Ministry received 3017 queries, including 910 in January and 2107 in February. 2670 queries were received by phone and 347 via e-mail. All enquires have been considered, recorded, investigated and responded.   According to the Minister, the vast majority of queries was about centrally conducted test exams in the IX and XI classes of secondary schools, new mechanism for the reception of teachers to work, organizing, conducting and getting information on results of Republican Subject and International Olympiads, as well as organization and conduction of Best Teacher of the Year contest and study abroad. Other queries were about providing teachers with the teaching load, counting the wages, recognition of educational documents and, etc. About 10 per cent of queries were inquiring on problems existing at pre-school, secondary, vocational, secondary special and higher educational establishments. Mr. Mardanov noted that 69 out of 200 queries on higher and secondary special establishments consisted of complaints and shortcomings. He underlined students of Baku State University, Azerbaijan State Economic University, Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University, Technical University, Azerbaijan University of Languages, Sumgayit State University, Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, and other establishments asking for rendering assistance in rising marks up through the appeal procedure. The Minister underlined that employees of the relevant departments conducted the appropriate investigations and students of the mentioned universities were objectively assessed in accordance with their exam results. Education Minister noted that queries from students of private universities, such as Azerbaijan International University, which had been closed, Baku Business University and Gafgaz University were about the violation of examination procedure, non-granting diplomas to students, the delay of stipend payments of state-paid students, and, etc. Moreover, queries on Baku State Social Economy College, Baku State Communication and Transport College, Agjabedi Pedagogical College, and Shirvan State Economic and Humanitarian College was inquiring about dissatisfaction with the exam assessments, exclusion of students from examinations and, etc. Speaking on the results of investigations of queries received by the Hotline Service in February the Minister noted that teachers of Giyamadinli village school of Agjabedi district N. Gambarova and Abad village secondary school of Agdash district A. Amrahova were fired for fake diplomas. Relevant documents were sent to the General Prosecutor's Office. Moreover, deputy director of school No. 37 of Baku N. Aliyeva has received a severe reprimand with a final warning, director of the mentioned school, I. Aliyev the reprimand, and director of Nursery No. 153 Sh. Musayeva the severe reprimand. Furthermore, the Minister talked about indicators on processing of complaints sent to the Ministry by the departments during the first two months of 2011, expressed his views on issues discussed at the meeting and made appropriate recommendations. Further, Deputy Education Minister Elmar Gasimov gave a presentation on meetings held by the state officials with Azeri students at the Azerbaijan Embassy to France and in London on December 5-6, as well as on Azerbaijani Students and Alumni International Forum (ASAIF) held on 11-12 March, 2011 in Strasburg, France.  Noting the importance of these kind of events Deputy Minister underlined that problems of Azeri students and issues on improving the Diaspora work were discussed at the meeting. According to E. Gasimov, 400 Azeri students studying in 30 countries convened in the Forum to discuss some issues of interest to students, and to put forward proposals to solve the problems.

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At first, Education Minister congratulated the guest on his appointment as an ambassador and wished him success in his work on broadening of bilateral relations. Having expressed his satisfaction of seeing Ambassador Matthew Bryza at the Ministry, Mr. Mardanov underlined the development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States, as well as noted the important role of education in these relations. Minister Mardanov informed that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev important steps were taken to develop the education area of Azerbaijan. He also noted the positive aspects of fruitful education partnerships with the United States, and focused on works done within the education and exchange programs. Having thanked Minister for the warm reception Ambassador Matthew Bryza expressed his willingness to do his best for the further development of relationship existing between Azerbaijan and the US. Noting that he has been informed on reforms implemented in the education field of Azerbaijan, Ambassador Bryza touched upon issues like the continuation of cooperation within the relevant exchange programs, such as Fulbright program, and study of Azeri youth at universities of the United States within this program. He also noted the important steps taken by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to strengthen educational cooperation between two countries. Moreover, Ambassador Matthew Bryza put forward the idea to attract girls from rural areas of the country into the occupational education. Expressing his views on issues touched upon by the ambassador Minister Mardanov underlined appropriateness of a joint cooperation in the academic and scientific research work of Azeri students, who have graduated from universities of the United States, at universities of Azerbaijan. At the end, the parties noted the importance of such meetings to develop the bilateral ties, as well as exchanged views on other issues of common interest.     

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At first, Head of Legal Department of the Ministry Elmir Hasanov gave a presentation entitled “Development of legislative foundation due to the enactment of Law on Education of the Azerbaijan Republic.” He noted the documents prepared in accordance with the relevant law were confirmed by the Cabinet of Ministries, and other five documents are in the enactment phase. He gave information on addendums and amendments to the Regulation of the Ministry of Education in accordance with the executive order of President of the Azerbaijan Republic on addendums and amendments to some executive orders and decrees of President on the application of Law on Education. Speaking on each addendums E. Hasanov has also touched upon a Constitutional Law of Azerbaijan on Normative legal acts, which was approved on December 21, 2010. Head of Textbook and Publication Department of the Ministry Faig Shahbazli gave a presentation on the trip of delegation consisting of 16 members during 13-19 February, 2011, to the Republic of Turkey. He noted that the delegation visited the Board of Education and Discipline of the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey in order to become acquainted with the textbook assessment experience of Turkey. He gave information on the main activity directions of the Board of Education and Discipline, conducting meetings, and works done by the members of delegation at the relevant commissions. According to him, they have gained a rich experience on procedures for preparation of a full set of textbooks, their assessment and coding. He noted that they have presented a couple of textbooks for the III classes of general secondary schools to the Board to be assessed and opinions on books were positive.         F. Shahbazli informed on meeting held with teachers and students of Turkey within the trip. According to him, at the end of the trip each member of delegation was presented with the certificate. Moreover, in order to develop the bilateral cooperation a delegation consisting of employees of the Board of Education and Discipline will visit Azerbaijan in April. Head of Vocational Education Department Namig Mammadov gave a presentation on the trip made by them to the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as on conducting meetings and gained experience. On his presentation entitled “Structure of the vocational education system of German Federal state Baden-Wuerttemberg” Mr. Mammadov gave general information on this Federal state, vocational preparation work programs, the dual system of vocational education and its main goals. At the end, Education Minister expressed his views on all three presentations and put forward his ideas on the implementation of relevant measures for development of done works. 

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The conference, organized by the Department for Education Informatization System of the Ministry of Education was attended by directors of schools, workers of educational departments and teachers of Khachmaz, Guba, Gusar, Shabran, Siyazan and Khizi districts. Moreover, representatives of companies, such as Madad, Azedunet and Ultra, which are collaborating with the Ministry of Education within the State Program on Informatization of Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2008-2012, were among attendees. In order to share the positive experience achieved due to measures implemented within the State Program leading teachers in the use of ICT of Baku schools have also attended the conference.  Speaking at the opening of the conference director of Guba district Education Department Suleyman Aslanov noted the important role of the education in our lives and underlined the application of modern technologies made it possible to organize the education at the highest level. According to him, they have paid special attention to the use of ICT in Guba.  Head of Department for Education Informatization System of the Ministry of Education Samir Mammadov gave information on components of State Program and works done in this area. According to him, the main purpose of steps taken in this direction is the systematic use of ICT in the education. S. Mammadov noted that the use of ICT in the education serves to the development of personnel potential of the country, and from this point of view, the great deal of attention is paid to this area by the government. He informed that such conferences will be organized in other regions of the country in order to inform educators on the use of modern technologies in the education. Director of MADAD Organization Elbrus Zarbaliyev on his presentation entitled “New educational opportunities, use of world experience” talked about involving of teachers in training workshops held within the State Program. According to him, in cities, like Baku, Sumgayit, Ganja, Mingachevir, Sirvan and 33 districts were established about 100 training centers. What is more, 55, 980 educators and administrative management personnel have attended training workshops led by 250 tutors.     Within the conference were held seminars on the themes of “Internet as a source for Education”, “Creation of e-Educational recourses”, “E-school project” and “Changes in the education and learning opportunities.”

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The meeting was attended by Head of Nizami district Executive Power Tahir Budagov, executive director of Azerbaijan National Parent- Teachers Association Tarana Sharifova and PTA Board members. At first, Minister has become familiar with Lyceum and inquired about the educational climate that established there.  Opening the event Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted the intensity of meetings held with the members of PTA Board and parents. Director of Zangy Lyceum Bayram Heydarov gave a presentation on the activity of educational establishment. He started his presentation with a brief summary of the history of Lyceum. According to him, a vast majority of pupils graduated from Lyceum have scored high points at the entrance examinations and became a student. He added that 5 out of 25 students in 2005 and four students in 2004 who were awarded with the presidential scholarship due to scoring high points at the entrance examinations were graduates of the lyceum. Director has also talked about educational climate of lyceum and pilot projects in which it takes part. Moreover, he expressed some of his views on the management in education and conducting educational work. Further, PTA Board member of the lyceum, head of Azsoft Company Elman Majidov gave a presentation on the E-lesson timetable set by him. He spoke on factors that have been included during the preparation of the timetable and relevant requirements and wishes of teachers have been factored as well.  President of PTA of Zangy Lyceum, Editor – in – chief of “Iki sahil” newspaper Vugar Rahimzadeh gave a presentation on the activity of the Association. Noting the importance of PTAs V. Rahimzadeh underlined that they are playing a significant role in advancing the quality of education, fostering a patriotic spirit to pupils, and encouraging parental involvement in school life.    PTA board member of the lyceum, responsible officer of Administration of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Arastun Mehdiyev talked about attention and care to the education area and educators of Azerbaijan, as well as highly appreciated steps taken to improve the quality of education. He also spoke about strengthening parent and school partnerships, and touched upon other issues concerning the development of interest by pupils in the learning. Executive director of Azerbaijan National Parent- Teachers Association Tarana Sharifova has thanked Minister Mardanov for attention paid by him to the PTA, for respectful attitude to expressed proposals, and for conducting periodic meetings with members of Association. According to her, currently nearly 1500 schools have PTAs, and they are successfully performing their statutory duties. Moreover, as a result of PTAs activities parent and school partnerships and teacher and parent collaborations have been further strengthened. T. Sharifova highly appreciated the activity of PTA of Zangy Lyceum and noted that its positive experience is an example for other PTAs. Head of Nizami district Executive Power Tahir Budagov in his speech thanked Minister Mardanov for choosing educational establishment located in the Nizami district as a place for the meeting with members of PTA.  Speaking on the successes of Nizami district in the education area, he underlined that 11 out of 111 students awarded with the presidential scholarship were representatives of Nizami district, and that Zangy Lyceum has played an important role in achieving these successes. Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted fruitfulness of such meetings. He has highly appreciated the activity of Parent-Teachers Association of the lyceum, which according to Minister has been organized in a high level.  Minister Mardanov stressed the importance of building an assembly and sport halls that will meet modern requirements and fixing the heating system. Noting that next year Lyceum will celebrate its 20th anniversary Minister recommended hold in this regard a solemn ceremony, prepare the book devoted to the Lyceum and wished to its personnel every success in the future activity.   At the end attendees have listened to the Choir of Lyceum. Moreover, first graduates of Erudite Course conducted by the Azsoft Company on ICT were awarded with certificates and presents.

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Minister Misir Mardanov expressed his satisfaction with the meeting guests at the Ministry of Education. According to Minister more attention is being paid in Azerbaijan to providing computer networking service to educational establishments, as well as improving internet accessibility of schools. Moreover, anti-virus programs are being used to ensure the internal network security. Yevgeny Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky Laboratory anti-virus Co. informed that the company headed by him specializes in internet security solutions and expressed his views on advantages of using licensed security against computer viruses. Talking about projects implemented by them in many countries, Mr. Kaspersky gave detailed information on services provided by Kaspersky Laboratory and expressed an interest in forming partnership with different state bodies of Azerbaijan.  Noting the services provided by Kaspersky Laboratory are attracting interest, Mr. Mardanov expressed belief in positive impact of discussions that will be held with the relevant experts of the Ministry on ICT on future cooperation. He underlined the importance of strong protection of Internet networks at schools and gave information on works done in this field.

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Education Minister expressed his pleasure at seeing guests at the Ministry of Education and talked on friendship and brotherhood existing between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Noting the existence of multilateral relations in the education area, Minister Mardanov emphasized the importance of further strengthening and expanding of existing partnership. Further, Misir Mardanov talked about the recent successful trip of the Ministry’s delegation to Turkey, who has visited the Discipline and Education Board of the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey. According to him, they have had a fruitful exchange experience.  Noting the goal of the trip was to become familiar with the textbook assessment practice of Turkey, the minister underlined the meetings that will be held by the delegation in Baku will play an important role in the future work. Minister also expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation that has been established over the last 3 years between relevant departments of Education Ministries of both countries on procedures for preparing and assessment of textbooks. Merdan Tufan, Head of Discipline and Education Board of the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey has thanked Education Minister Misir Mardanov for the warm reception. Noting the education field holds a special position in friendship relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey, Mr. Tufan expressed confidence that this meeting will contribute to the development of bilateral partnership. He gave information on activity directions of Board, responsibilities of its personnel and commissions on different disciplines. Moreover, Mr. Tufan expressed their willingness to provide a necessary assistance for the continuation of works done in this direction. At the meeting, it was noted that there will be implemented relevant works with the delegation of the Republic of Turkey on the procedure for preparation set of textbooks, their assessment and other issues.

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