Education Minister Misir Mardanov warmly welcomed the guests and underlined the importance of ongoing projects for the development of vocational education in Azerbaijan. He highly appreciated Initial Vocational Education for Agricultural Development Project and noted the Ministry will provide the necessary support in the realization of the project. Noting the completion of Vocational Education and Training Reform Strategy and Pilot Implementation in a selected region in Azerbaijan Project, funded by the European Union, the Minister expressed belief in the positive contribution of the project to the development of staff training in the agricultural field. He noted the relevant enterprise should be selected to implement the project. Moreover, the selected enterprise should be provided with the necessary equipments to implement the planned works. Mr. Mardanov suggested conducting the relevant work in this direction at some initial vocational schools of the country. Furthermore, there were discussed suggestions on the definition of essence of a contract, as well as noted that the contract project is intended to be singed until July. Herbert Strobel, Initial Vocational Education for Agricultural Development Project manager, has thanked the Minister for the warm reception. He highly appreciated the Vocational Education and Training Reform Strategy and Pilot Implementation in a selected region in Azerbaijan Project Final Conference that was held the day before. The guest talked about works intended to be implement with responsible establishments on the Initial Vocational Education for Agricultural Development Project. According to him, preparation of the document on the staff training development, realization of teacher training courses, and study of labor market demands are among the main measures that should be implemented within the project. He also noted the conduction of the relevant training courses in the Ganja. Further, there were noted that the contract document for the project, which is composed of four sub-components, is planning to be prepared until March 15. At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on other issues for the organization of visits to Germany to get acquainted with the vocational education system of this country, as well as successful implementation of the project.

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Based on the Order of the President of Azerbaijan on “Additional measures for restoration of secondary schools fallen into desuetude”, dated December 4, 2009, the construction of the building had started in January of 2010 and was completed in January of the current year. It was noted that though a number of schools had been constructed during the Soviet times in the Birinci Shykhly village, they had been unable to meet the demands of the time. The buildings, constructed in the areas prone to landslides, plus, the low quality, had been collapsing before even being fully utilized. This building, utilized since 1987, had been facing the same problems. Before starting the construction works, the mistakes of the past have been studied thoroughly and the foundation of the building was covered with full massive concrete. Every condition has been created for successful and high-quality conduct of education and trainings at the 640-seat school, which attracts attention with its modern design. The school features 49 rooms, as well as 27 classrooms and a fully equipped sports hall. The school has been provided with a heating system. Special attention was paid to the access of students to information-communication technologies and every necessary condition was created in the technical laboratories. President Ilham Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the new building and toured the classrooms and the sport hall.

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Speaking at the opening Education Minister Misir Mardanov welcomed guests, youth and athletes and noted the events to mark the birthday of Azerbaijani National Hero Mubariz Ibrahimov are being held in different part of the country. He underlined our people have always honored the sacred memory of his heroes, who gave their life in defense of Azerbaijan. The Minister highly appreciated the conduction of athletic competition devoted to the memory of Azerbaijani National Hero Mubariz Ibrahimov whose personal courage had strengthened the spirit of patriotism of Azerbaijani youth. The event was attended by vice-president of the National Olympic Committee, Chingiz Huseynzadeh, Chief of Interior Troops Headquarters, Major General Shirin Khalilov, and chairman of Voluntary Military Patriotism Technical Sport Society, Major General Novruzali Orujov. Speaking at the event they underlined their pride for the heroism of Mubariz Ibrahimov, one of the great sons of Azerbaijan. Further, Agakerim Ibrahimov, father of National Hero, has wished a success to the competition participants and thanked the organizers. The memory of the National Hero was remembered with one minute's silence. Further, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was sounded. At the end there was demonstrated the composition devoted to Mubariz Ibrahimov and started the three-day athletic competition.

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It was reported that, according to the project implemented by Education Ministry in collaboration with the World Bank Fundamentals of Education subject was taught as a pilot project at three universities - Azerbaijan Teachers' Institute, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and Ganja State Pedagogical University. Further teachers made presentations on the three-week course. It should be noted that, 30 teachers of these universities attended the courses organized at the educational complex No. 132-134. Noting the importance of teaching the Fundamentals of Education subject at three universities as a pilot project, Education Minister Misir Mardanov stressed successful implementation of this work. According to him, they prepared appropriate learning materials and subject curriculum by using the practice of foreign countries. Minister underlined the importance of conducting such courses at other secondary schools as well. Moreover, he was pleased with the presentations gave by the teachers. Further, discussions were held about the future courses for teachers of Fundamentals of Education subject, and made relevant proposals. At the end, certificates of the Ministry were presented to the course attendees.

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The ceremony was attended by Deputy Ministers of Education, heads of the relevant departments of the Ministry, representatives of Baku city Education Department, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Baku Skill Improvement and Retraining Institute of Pedagogical Cadres and educational establishments.  Speaking at the opening Education Minister Misir Mardanov welcomed the guests and highlighted the significant role of the Media, magazines and newspapers for delivering the essence of educational reforms founded by the nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and successfully continued by the President Ilham Aliyev to the public. In its speech he estimated the pre-school and primary education as a basis of education. The Minister congratulated the Magazine’s staff and wished them every success.  Pre-school and Primary Education Magazine was founded in 1970 and has been headed by Yahya Karimov since then. According to the Minister over the past period 180 copies of the magazine were circulated. At the end of his speech he gave recommendations for the more effective organization of magazine’s work, and awarded its staff with honorary diploma. Moreover, the Minister informed that the Ministry will awarded with cash prizes. Further, chief editor of the Magazine, Prof. Yahya Karimov gave information on history of the Magazine. He underlined the important role of Nagi Guneshli, Ajdar Agayev and Muhammad Baharli in its establishment. He also talked about the role of the Magazine in the development of education and improvement of teacher’s knowledge. Moreover, he noted upcoming issues and thanked the Minister for care to the Magazine. Later, chairman of the Education Council, Prof. Ajdar Agayev, doctor of pedagogical sciences, professor Hussein Akhmedov, teacher of school No. 2 of Khudat, Nazaket Kerimova, assistant professor of Pedagogy Department of Azerbaijan University of Languages, Vidadi Bashirov, director of Department of Social Researches of Institute of Educational Problems Limunat Amrahli, chief editor of Azerbaijani School Magazine, Najaf Najafov, and pro-rector for scientific works of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Vilayat Aliyev in their speeches highlighted the role of the magazine in the development of Azerbaijani education and wished to the staff every success in their editorial work.

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Having welcomed attendees Education Minister congratulated 28 teachers (10 primary school, 10 math, and eight Azerbaijani language and literature teachers) on passing to the next level of the competition, and wished every success to them.  The Minister underlined the Best General Secondary School and Best Teacher competitions, which conducted in accordance with the presidential order signed in 2007, have been held for four years demonstrate the attention and care of the Azerbaijani government to the education and educators. He informed that in the current year 425 teachers have participated in the competition and 217 of them passed to the next level. The majority of teachers are primary school (57 people) and English language (35) teachers.    According to the Minister in comparison with past years, this year there was established just one Commission per subject. He estimated this as a very useful method for objective chose of teachers, and expressed assurance that Expert Commission will be impartial in its estimation and will assess participants in accordance with the results of collective discussion.      Further, the Minister noted the relevant timetable for attending the teacher’s classes was prepared, and participants will be invited to the Ministry the day before of test lessons to become acquainted with conditions of schools where the test lessons will be organized. He also gave information on the procedure for the definition of the theme of lessons. Furthermore, he noted the lessons will be assessed on 12 criterions, and one teacher will be allowed taking part in the lesson of other. The Minister added that all lessons will be filmed, and the commission’s decision will announce after analysis of the lesson. According to the Minister, participants who will dissatisfy with the commission’s decision may address a written request to the Ministry within three days.   The Minister noted that after this level will complete each teacher will give a 10 minute presentation at the Ministry about the main directions of its activity, success, educational problems its offers. The final score of the teachers will be defined by adding total scores gained by them in each level. At the end there were answered to questions of teachers and was held a discussion on other issues connected with the competition.

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On February 14, was held a meeting with the experts who will estimate lessons of the Best Teacher Competition participants. Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Education Minister Misir Mardanov said that the successful completion of the Best Teacher competition will depend on the activity of Commissions consist of experts. Therefore, they should demonstrate a high responsibility and objectiveness. Noting there will be acted just one Commission per subject, the Minister informed that the representative of the Ministry will be presented at the commission as an observer, and they will solve organizational issues. The Minister informed that the timetable of test lessons of the teachers was prepared and schools that will conduct the lessons defined. He noted lessons of 57 primary school teachers will be attended in six levels, 35 English teacher lessons - 4 and 25 Azerbaijani language and literature teachers – three levels from February 15. Moreover, lessons of other subject teachers will be attended until April 21.   Further, the Minister noted 425 teachers took part in the competition and according to the results of examination 217 of them have passed to the next level. The test lessons will be conducted at the Heydar Aliyev Lyceum subordinated to the Ministry of Education, Taraggi Lyceum, Elitar Gymnasium, at the educational complex No. 132-134, at schools of Baku No. 1, 7, 8, 20, 23, 27, 36, 45, 46, 47, 56, 160, 164, 176, 177, 189, 190, 258, 291 and Kindergarten-School-Lyceum Complex. The Minister gave relevant tasks to the directors of the mentioned schools to implement the appropriate organizational works. He also noted there no changes were made in the assessment criterions, and each criterion will be assessed by maximum 10 scores.   At the end he gave his tasks and advices to the experts and noted the importance for keeping the impartiality and equitableness during the estimation. 

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The meeting was attended by deputy ministers, heads of relevant departments of the Ministry, directors of higher and secondary educational institutions, vocational and secondary schools, district and city departments of education, and representatives of non governmental organizations. Speaking at the meeting Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted at the meeting of Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Republic devoted to the results of 2010, which was held under the chairmanship of Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, was discussed the corruption, and in this regard serious duties were raised before the state bodies. Stressing that the fight against corruption is one of the key priorities of the state policy of the Azerbaijan Republic, the Minister underlined the importance of legal documents adopted in this field in recent years. He also spoke about the activities jointly carried out with relevant bodies. Misir Mardanov noted works done within the National Strategy. According to him, since 2006 Working Group of the Ministry against corruption, which is consisting of representatives of NGO’s and Hot Line Service, has operated at the Ministry. He informed that in 2010, the Ministry received 51.552 letters, appeals, petitions and complaints from citizens and government bodies, as well as accepted 7.251 people. The Minister talked about statistical indicators for the number and topic of applications and complaints of citizens, and stressed the monitoring should be held in the regions to find out the situation related to the corruption. Stating that at the end of each year, reports of the central apparatus and departments of the Ministry are being considered, the Minister said that district and city departments of education, higher and secondary educational institutions should be involved in this process as well. He informed about application of the activity assessment system of the workers of the Ministry and district and city departments of education since 2008, and standards of ethical behavior were prepared and presented to all educational institutions. Moreover, the admission of teachers to work based on transparency and competition was received with satisfaction. The Minister informed that 288 teachers out of 1.815 who took part in the exams conducted by the computer to fill vacancies in secondary schools across the country for 2010-2011 school years were provided with work. Furthermore, there was created a new mechanism for the admission of directors to work.   The Minister noted the importance of improving the mechanism for conducting exams at educational institutions, increasing transparency and public control over the process. According to him, Hotline's service should be established at each educational institution. He informed that at all educational institutions were established Hotline Service to ensure the transparency of the exams. Moreover, Media, NGO, representatives of Foundation to Fight against Corruption, Transparency Azerbaijan Society, Center for Modern Education and Training Support, National Building Research Centre was involved in the exam process. The minister also said that in recent years exams were conducted in writing form and via the computer to prevent negative cases and ensure objectivity and transparency of the process. Talking on the cancellation of licenses of Baku branch of Moscow State Open University and Azerbaijan International University last year, Mr. Mardanov informed that students of these schools were transferred to other private universities. According to Minister the Ministry implemented regular works to identify negative cases, violations of law, and took disciplinary measures against responsible persons committed the violation. The Minister noted that last year 108 people, including 4 heads of district education departments, 72 principals, five deputy directors, one director of out-of-school institutions, six directors of professional schools, one university teacher, 10 directors of kindergartens, nine chief accountants were fired. Moreover, 41 people received the final warning, and 115 get a reprimand. Further, the minister spoke about the future responsibilities, noted the importance of improving the quality of education, protecting teachers and schools’ reputation.

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789 queries were received by telephone, 121 through an e-mail. All of them were investigated and responded. A majority of queries were connected with the admission of teachers to work, conducting the final exams in the IX and XI grades, organization of education for disabled children, benefits granted to the winners of International Olympiads, study abroad, recognition of educational documents, and etc.  9.6 per cent of queries were complaints. They were connected with pre-school, general, vocational and higher school problems. Complaints connected with schools were received from Baku (15), Naftalan (2) and Ganja (1) cities, Absheron (16), Jalilabad (3), Zagatala (2), Yevlakh (2), Goygol (2), Lerik (2), Sheki (1), Masalli (1), Yardimli (1), Agdash (1), Balaken (1), Saatli (1) districts. A vast majority of them were connected with problems such as lack of central heating at schools, collection of money for technical equipments of school, organization of different publication’s sale, and, etc. Queries received from Absheron were connected with the organization of uniforms’ sale. There were received two queries from vocational schools (Baku Vocational Lyceum No.2, and Ismailli Vocational Lyceum).    The inquiries received by the Service connected with the execution of Order of the Minister on Organization and Conduction of the winter exam session of 2010-2011 academic year at higher and secondary professional education establishments, were promptly considered. More than 100 queries received by the Service from these establishments were inquiring. 35 queries received from state (21), private (10) and secondary professional educational establishments (4) were about shortcomings. Queries received from universities were connected with the organization of term exams by test method, application of Bologna system, master education, tuition fee, and, etc. Students of Baku State University, Azerbaijan State Economic University, Azerbaijan Medical University, Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University, Azerbaijan Technical University, Azerbaijan University of Languages, Sumgayit State University and other universities mostly complain about their assessment. Representatives of the Ministry jointly with the officials of the mentioned universities have investigated queries. 10 queries received from the private universities were about Baku Business University, Gafgaz University, and Azerbaijan International University, which activity was stopped. They were about a violation of procedures for the conduct of examinations, not granting the diploma to alumni, and, etc. All requests were investigated and responded.    Queries received from secondary professional institutions (Baku State Social-Economy College, Baku State Communication and Transport College, Agjabedi Pedagogical and Shirvan State Economic and Humanitarian College) were mainly connected with exam’s assessment. All queries were examined and their authors were informed about its result.

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Shortly the results of centralized test exams on the general secondary education level (IX grade) will be posted in this section. It should be noted that on February 12-13 in Baku were held centralized test exams on the general and complete secondary education level of 2010-2011 academic year. 26,730 students of classes XI passed the examinations in 72 centers, and 36,085 students of classes IX in 74 centers. Refugee pupils living in the city of Baku also took part in examinations held on February 12-13. Examination for students of XI grades lasted three hours, and for IX grades half an hour. There were applied a number of innovations at the test exams conducted in 2010-2011 academic year. Thus, the number of questions per subject was changed. The total number of questions on the Mother tongue and literature subject has been reduced from 25 to 21, on natural sciences was increased from  10 to 12. In addition, pupils was given a special pass sheet of the Ministry. Representatives of PTA as observers watched the exam at 67 centres of Baku. It should be noted that 137.523 pupils out of 236710 are pupils of IX grades, 94417 pupils in IX grades and 4770 pupils of vocational lyceums will take part in the centralised test and final exams in 2010-2011 academic year.  Test exams at other regions of the country will start on February 20.

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