Saeima rejects proposal to expand distance learning options

The Saeima has rejected amendments proposed by the party ‘Latvia First’ (LPV) regarding the Education Law. The proposed changes sought to allow parents and adult learners to freely choose between various forms of education, including distance learning, and aimed to overturn planned restrictions on distance learning for students in grades 1 through 6.

Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science argued that reducing the volume of distance learning is necessary because students in this format demonstrate significantly lower educational results.

Under the existing amendments passed in February, distance learning accessibility will be phased out starting in the 2027/2028 school year. From September 1, 2027, students in grades 1 and 4 will no longer be permitted to study via distance learning. This requirement will expand to grades 2 and 5 in 2028, and finally to grades 3 and 6 by September 1, 2029. Additionally, from 2027, students in grades 1 through 6 will no longer be able to pursue basic education within the family, except in specific cases where a local government assessment confirms that such a format serves the best interests of the child due to social, health, or accessibility reasons.