It should be noted that, pupils have competed in 3 stages of the competition on 8 types of sports (football, handball, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, athletics, Greco-Roman wrestling, and boxing) from February to October of 2011 and gained a right to participate in the final stage. The first stage of the competition was consisted of intra-school, the second - district and city, and the third - zonal competitions. Only Greco-Roman wrestling and boxing competitions are held directly in the final stage.   Matches of the final stage of competition will end on October 18 – the day of the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the state independence of Azerbaijan. In the final, it is planning to award winners of the individual and team competitions on three groups (cities, districts and initial vocational special schools).  The Republican Spartakiade, which is organized every two years, is one of the popular sports events in the country. The Spartakiade is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the state independence of Azerbaijan and conducted by a joint decision of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sport. The main goal of the competition is to develop mass physical culture and sports and create a ground for the healthy growth of children, as well as encourage them to do more sport. Moreover, it is aiming to enhance the role of physical culture and sports in nurturing children in the spirit of patriotism, and develop their sport skills.   The event was attended by the deputy department director of the Ministry of Youth and Sport Mirkamil Rahimov, unit director Aydin Mammadov, senior consultants of the Ministry of Education Arzu Qarayev, Elmur Alizade, and representatives of the pedagogy and sport community.

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It was revealed that the diplomas of 92 teachers working at comprehensive schools of these districts are fake.. Thus, 24 fake diplomas were revealed in Barda, 12 in Guba, 7 in Jalilabad, 7 in Beylegan and others in another 20 districts. The Ministry of Education has appealed to the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan to investigate a situation.  It should be noted that, the Ministry of Education has begun to conduct the inspection to reveal fake diplomas at comprehensive schools of the next 25 districts.

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Speaking at the opening of the event, chairwoman of the Young Educators of Azerbaijan organization Ruhiyya Aslanova expressed her thanks to the Education Ministry and Embassy of Japan to Azerbaijan for the support provided by them for the project. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education Misir Mardanov talked about the relationship existing between Azerbaijan and Japan. Noting the importance for further expansion of educational ties between the two countries, the Minister stressed the advisability of travel of employees of the education field of Azerbaijan to Japan to get acquainted with the education system of this country. The Minister stressed the role of Ambassador of Japan to Azerbaijan Shusuke Watanabe in establishing mutual and fruitful relations and praised his work. He noted that, the Government of Japan provides grant projects in Azerbaijan for over the 10 years. Speaking about the collaboration of the Embassy of Japan to Azerbaijan with several organizations, including the Young Educators of Azerbaijan organization, the Minister added that, up to now, 147 agreements were signed with the Japanese government within these projects. Next, the Minister gave information on the grant agreement on Project for improvement of vocational training conditions for locksmith and carpentry courses at the professional lyceum of Baku #2 within a Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Programme. According to him, the main goal of the project is to improve training conditions for the locksmith and carpentry courses at Professional Lyceum #2 through refurbishing workshop and purchasing necessary training equipments depending on the requirements of different age groups. The project will encompass 140 students and 40 teachers. The amount of the grant is 99, 990 USD. In conclusion, the Minister expressed his thanks to all those who have made a contribution to this work. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Azerbaijan Shusuke Watanabe noted that the establishment of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Japan, and expressed willingness to promote cooperation. According to him, the cooperation between Japan and Azerbaijan has already produced results. He noted that he visited Baku vocational lyceum #2 in order to get acquainted with the works that will be done within the project and existing situation. The Ambassador stressed the importance of this project in terms of Azerbaijan is experiencing a period of development and needs professionals. Next, the grant agreement on Project for improvement of vocational training conditions for locksmith and carpentry courses at the professional lyceum of Baku #2 within Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Programmewas signed. It was signed by Ambassador of Japan to Azerbaijan Shusuke Watanabe and chairwoman of Young Educators of Azerbaijan organization Ruhiyya Aslanova.

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The workshop was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EU Office in Baku, heads of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Azerbaijan Teachers` Institute, Baku Skill improvement and Retraining Institute of Pedagogical Cadres and other higher education institutions. Speaking at the opening of the event, Jan Pakulski, Head of Unit of the European Commission, noted that the workshop, which is organized within the Platform 4 of the Eastern Partnership, has brought together about 70 representatives of the member states of the Eastern Partnership, including experts from the European Commission. Minister of Education Misir Mardanov welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of the event. According to him, the workshop will present the results of study conducted by the European Commission on the training and professional development of teachers in the member states of the Eastern Partnership, as well as experience of the European Union in this area. Noting that the goal of the workshop is to train and professionally develop teachers of the member states of the Eastern Partnership, the minister praised the importance of the workshop in terms of discussing relevant issues, sharing experiences and identifying future prospects. The Minister gave information on training and professional development of teachers in higher education institutions, and noted that in order to bring innovations into the education field of Azerbaijan several universities of the country (ASPU, AMU, GSU) have started to teach the Fundamentals of Education subject. Stressing the importance of using new technology by students in the learning process, Misir Mardanov underlined the expanded use of electronic resources in the education process at universities. Representative of European Commission Helene Skikos and other foreign guests made a speech in the workshop.  The workshop will continue on October 14.

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Speaking at the opening of the conference, Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted the importance of the event and stressed that the work to improve the welfare of children is taken very seriously by the government. He added that, the aim of the event, organized by the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan, UNICEF, Azerbaijan Teachers Institute and International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI), is to find ways to involve disabled people in inclusive education, specify the prospects on their integration into society and environment without the barriers, as well as create conditions for professionals working in this field to become familiar with the successful experience of other countries. The Minister stressed that the policy pursued by national leader Heydar Aliyev to protect children, is successfully continued under the leadership of the President Ilham Aliyev. He also noted the work implemented by the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, and MP Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva in this direction. He noted that during the years of independence, Azerbaijan became a part of several international agreements and conventions on human rights, and performs all the obligations undertaken by him within these documents. He noted that, currently, there are 60 thousand disabled children living in the country; 1105 children receive an education at special schools, 2664 – at special boarding schools (1353 of them stay overnight); 7750 children involved in homeschooling and 268 children get inclusive education. Noting that the right of disabled people to education is enshrined in the Education Act of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Misir Mardanov stressed that the Ministry of Education implemented Development Programme for the education of disabled children to develop inclusive education in Azerbaijan in 2005-2009. According to him, considerable work has been done within the program to ensure the right of disabled children to education, implement the transition to inclusive education, create equal conditions for children at schools, strengthen the social protection of children, who are wards of the state, register and involve in the education all categories of disabled children, as well as conform the logistical and educational base of education institutions to international standards. Noting the exceptional contribution of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to the implementation of programme, the Education Minister touched upon steps taken within the State Programme on de-institutionalization and alternative care (2006-2015). Misir Mardanov noted that in order to enhance the ability of inclusive education, the Ministry in cooperation with UNESCO, developed and submitted to the Parliament the Draft Law on inclusive education to make appropriate changes to the education legislation. The Minister also stressed that “State programme for the development of inclusive education” was developed and presented to the Cabinet of Ministers by the technical support of UNESCO. In his speech, the Minister also touched upon other issues related to inclusive education and underlined that planning and implementing measures aim to ensure the right of every disabled child to education. Minister of Education proposed the establishment of Research Center for Inclusive Education at Azerbaijan Teachers Institute by following best practices of other countries represented at the conference. Next, head of the UNICEF Office in Azerbaijan Mark Hereward, Deputy Chairman of State Committee for Family, Women and Children Aynur Sofiyeva, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection Natig Mammadov, head of the department of the Cabinet of Ministers Gurban Amirov, Rector of the Azerbaijan Teachers Institute Agiya Nakhchivanli noted the importance of the conference, and talked about measures undertaken in the country on inclusive education, study of international practices in this field, and also expressed their views and suggestions on issues of cooperation with international organizations. Next, Professor of the Fontys University, the Netherlands, H. Schuman, rector of Institute of Special Pedagogy and Psychology, St. - Petersburg, DBiolSc, Prof. L. Shipitsyna, and director of the Institute for Integrative (Inclusive) Education of MGPPU, S. Alyokhina have given scientific reports.   On October 15, a seminar will be held at Azerbaijan Teachers Institute and the participants will be able to access the speakers on matters of mutual interest and receive information. Moreover, an exhibition of handmade and drawings prepared by the disabled children will be held at the conference as well.

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The conference was attended by the Minister of Education Misir Mardanov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Bahram Aliyev, Ambassador of Germany to Azerbaijan Herbert Quelle, Deputy Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Peter Bleser, Professor of University of Applied Sciences of Weihenstephan - Troisdorf of Germany, manager of German side for the Initial Vocational Training Development Project in the field of agriculture, Herbert Strobel, directors of vocational schools and other guests. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Education Minister welcomed the guests, and stressed the expansion of cooperation with Germany in all areas, including the education field. Noting the President Ilham Aliyev keeps an attention on the agriculture along with other fields, the Minister underlined that the training of specialists in this field is one of the priority issues of the government.     The Minister said that, the main goal of the project for 1.2 million euros is to support vocational education reforms in the agriculture field of Azerbaijan, improve the situation on provision of vocational graduates with job and increase competitiveness of the non-oil sector. The Minister highly praised the project and expressed his belief that it will make a huge contribution to the development of the vocational education and agriculture field in the future. Ambassador of Germany to Azerbaijan Herbert Quelle and Deputy Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Peter Bleser in their speech talked about the rapid growth of Azerbaijan economy in recent years. Noting likewise other fields, the agricultural area of the country has huge potential the guests expressed their hope for the successful implementation of the project.     At the end, manager of German side for the Initial Vocational Training Development Project in the field of agriculture Herbert Strobel gave a detailed presentation on the project.

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A number of ongoing programmes providing the development of the education field of the country have been implementing with the great attention and concern of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. As a result of these programmes, the educational structure has been modernised, and equal conditions for students have been created. Moreover, solid steps have been taken to improve the quality and sustainability of education. Over the period from 2004 to 2011, 543665.1 thousand AZN were allocated from the state budget to the Capital Construction Department of the Ministry of Education to implement construction and refurbishment works. At the expense of allocated funds, there were built 353 new schools for 121864 pupils, 11 new kindergartens for 1270 children, one vocational education centre, and extra buildings at 184 schools for 49880 pupils. Moreover, 176 schools, 50 kindergartens and nine vocational schools have been refurbished. Due to the measures implemented in the school construction field, the percentage of two-shift schools has decreased from 73 to 44%; the number of pupils studying at the second shift has reduced from 34.5 to 21%.      However, it was revealed that some flaws were admitted in the construction and refurbishment of the schools. Thus, as a result of joint investigation by the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan and relevant government agencies, some flaws have been revealed at 77 schools of Baku. The General Prosecutor's Office has presented a report to the Ministry of Education on “Elimination of law violations revealed at the construction and refurbishment of the general-education establishments.”  The report has been discussed with the representatives of the management of Anti-Corruption Department of the General Prosecutor’s Office and relevant departments of the Ministry of Education. During the discussions, there were underlined that all flaws revealed at the construction and refurbishment works of 77 schools of Baku have been eliminated over the past period of time.      Based on the report given by the General Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Education applied serious punitive measures against a number of officials, who have committed law violation in the construction and refurbishment fields. Moreover, the Director of Capital Construction Department of the Ministry of Education and number of senior employees of the Department were released from their positions for the admitted flaws. Several employees of the Ministry responsible for this field, and head of institutions have been given a serious warning. Furthermore, the relevant structures, local education authorities and education institutions have received relevant assignments to organise and conduct tenders for the construction and refurbishment of general-education schools according to the law, improve the law providing the control over the construction and refurbishment works, and acceptance of construction and refurbishment works into service, develop a mechanism for the implementation of works by skilled specialists, and increase transparency of this process by engaging school parents committees and parent teachers associations. PRESS SERVICE OF THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

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Speaking at the opening of the ceremony, Education Minister Misir Mardanov congratulated attendees of the conference on the 20th anniversary of the restoration of state independence of Azerbaijan noting that the celebration is being marked in all parts of the country. Having glanced at the history of the 20 years of independence the Minister said that, during these years, Azerbaijan has gone a long way in the development, achieved successes in all areas of life, and that this way was launched by the great leader Heydar Aliyev. Having noted the works for strengthening of the independence and economic potential of the country have continued under the leadership of the President Ilham Aliyev since 2003, the Minister underlined comprehensive construction works have been done in Azerbaijan for a past period. Noting the President has always paid a great attention and concern to youth, the Minister talked on adopted State programme for youth, and steps taken to reveal and develop the capacity of talented young people. Misir Mardanov gave information on XVI Republican Subject Olympiad of Students. According to him, the final stage of Olympiad jointly organized by the decision of the Ministry of Education and Republican Committee of the Independent Trade Union of Education Workers was held at Azerbaijan State Economic University on May 27 of the current year. He noted that, the first stage of the Olympiad which encompasses 12 subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, informatics, Azerbaijani language, History of Azerbaijan, Geography of Azerbaijan, English, French, German and Russian languages) was held at 36 universities, including 28 state-owned and 8 – private universities, and 684 in more than 1500 students have received a right to take part in the final stage. Moreover, the Minister noted that 595 students have participated in the republican stage of the Olympiad in different subjects.  Having underlined all universities of Azerbaijan took part in the Olympiad, the Minister reminded that the first Olympiad was held in 1994 on 4 subjects, and there were just 30 winners. He stressed that this work have been improved over the past years, and the number of subjects of Olympiad has reached 12. Education Minister noted that at Olympiad a great interest has been shown to Azeri and English language subjects. Thus, about 15.2 percent (104) of participants have participated in Olympiad on Azeri language, and 15 % (103) on English language subjects. The Minister said that, in accordance with the decision of the Jury, 12 participants have won the first, 23 the second and 36 the third places. Moreover, 43 students have been awarded incentive prizes. He revealed a statistic of winners on universities and stressed that the winners of the first place have presented Baku State University, Qafqaz University, Baku Slavic University, Azerbaijan Military High School named after Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan State Oil Academy and Azerbaijan State Economic University. Misir Mardanov noted that winners of Olympiad were awarded diplomas and cash awards from the Ministry of Education and Republican Committee of the Independent Trade Union of Education Workers. Thus, the first-place winners were presented 300, the second-place winners 150 and the third-place winners 100 AZN. After, the Minister congratulated the winners and wished them every success. Speaking at the ceremony, chairman of the Republican Committee of the Independent Trade Union of Education Workers Sattar Mehbaliyev, rector of Baku State University Abel Maharramov, rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages Samad Seyidov, and rector of Lankaran State University Asef Isgandarov congratulated the winners, noted the attention and concern provided by the President for the education, and talked about the fruitful conditions created for youth.   Next, the winners were presented diplomas and cash prizes. Speaking at the event, students have expressed their gratitude to care provided for them by the President, and noted that the knowledge competition was held in an impartial and transparent manner. 

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Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Education Minister Misir Mardanov talked about steps taken to implement an accreditation of higher and secondary special education institutions operating in the country, and stressed that this work serves to the improvement of quality in the education. Misir Mardanov asked to speak Senior Scientific Officer of the Department for Conceptual Problems of Education of the Institute for Education Problems, chairman of expert commission Intigam Jabrailov to give information on the additional inspection conducted at Azerbaijan Teachers Institute as discussion on results of accreditation of this Institute has not been completed in the previous meeting.       I. Jabrailov gave information on works done at Azerbaijan Teachers Institute. According to him, over the last years, the Institute has attached a special meaning to the professional development and retraining of its personnel, as well as taken relevant steps to improve their quality indicator. During the academic year, the Institute has given a wide berth to the calendar – topic plan, subject curriculums, and interactive training within an action plan. Moreover, there were taken steps to involve personnel of its affiliates in professional development training, and conduct scientific – practical conferences, round tables, training courses, open lessons and business meetings on different topics. I. Jabrailov also talked about works done in the field of expert retraining and international relations of Azerbaijan Teachers Institute, and informed attendees on the conclusion of the Accreditation Commission.   Next, Chairman of Accreditation Commision for Western University, Associate professor of Department for Computational Mathematics and Informatics of Azerbaijan State Economic University Abulfat Palangov noted that the Commission inspected the level of specialist training at the University by analyzing the situation on organization and implementation of education on specialties, as well as its conformity with state education standards. He gave detailed presentation on organizational and legal provision of university, content and structure of personnel training, its students, scientific – research activity, personnel provision, management of university and its logistical base, as well as international relations of institution. Moreover, he gave information on survey results held to check the knowledge level of final year students in the bachelor’s degree, and noted the conformity of the activity of university with specified criteria for its status.  Chairman of Accreditation Commission for Khazar University, Director of Foreign Language Department of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University Gulchohra Aliyeva gave information on normative – legal provision of the university and its structure. Talking about the pedagogical personnel, lesson plan structure, education programmes requirements, scientific – research centers, and graduates studied abroad, G. Aliyeva noted that Khazar University has occupied a place at the world universities rankings. She also gave information on logistical base of the university, financial provision, and survey results held to check the knowledge level of final year students. Next, questions taken from attendees of the meeting were answered, and some proposals were put forward,     Education Minister expressed his views on the inspection held at three universities and gave his recommendations. Talking on responsibilities of Azerbaijan Teachers Institute for training pedagogical personnel in accordance with the latest requirements, the Minister noted that the Institute will be provided the necessary assistance to solve existing problems. Moreover, the Minister have talked on the activity of Western University and Khazar University and underlined their achievements and steps taken to implement the innovations. At the end, Accreditation Board has made a decision about the accreditation of Azerbaijan Teachers Institute, Western University and Khazar University.

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3526 queries were received by phone, 430 by e-mail. A majority of them is inquiries concerning the acceptance of teachers to work at schools through a competition, early admission to the first classes, lesson distribution, textbook provision of pupils, school uniform, and issues on age restrictions apply. Other inquires were about student admission to the higher and secondary special schools, pupils transfer from one school or specialty to another, restoration of excluded students, tuition fee, specialization in the bachelor/master degree programs, and recognition of education documents. Quantitative analysis of queries has revealed that the majority of them consisted of inquiries concerning the acceptance of teachers to work at schools through a competition (905 queries), pupils transfer from one school to another (626), higher and secondary special education (468), early admission to the first classes (317), age restrictions apply (214), admission to the pre-school establishments (208), school uniform apply (205), and recognition of education documents (146). Other calls were about the benefits for the winners of International Olympiads, study abroad, rules for student tuition fees of students studied abroad within a State Programme (122), and Azerbaijan International University (90), which licensing activity were cancelled. The remaining queries were about the clarifying the addresses, phone numbers, reception timetable, and, etc. Inquiries received in September were mostly concerned with the comprehensive schools. Thus, there were received 23 inquires from schools of Baku, 2 from schools of Ganja , 1 - from Sumgayit and from Naftalan, 1 from Absheron, Zardab, Gadabay, Tovuz, Fizuli, Yardimli, Lachin, Goychay, Barda respectively, and 4 from Sheki Inquiries received from schools were mostly concerned with the shortcomings admitted by school directors, dissatisfaction with lesson distribution, poor organization of teaching at some schools, fee deduction from teachers' salaries and other issues. It should be noted that, most of calls were anonymous, and some facts have not been confirmed. The teacher of school No. 2 of Sumgayit has been reprimanded for a mistake made by him in the assessment of the pupil. Moreover, relevant recommendations were given to other education establishments to address the deficiencies. Moreover, last month, 11 queries were received from the preschool education establishments. The queries were investigated and some of them have found their solution. What is more, there was received 1 call concerning the vocational education establishments, and 3 state higher and secondary special education establishments. All calls were recorded, investigated and responded by the relevant departments of the Ministry of Education.

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