# Slovakian education policy reforms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/slovakian-education-policy-reforms > Updated: 2026-08-22T22:01:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Slovakia is implementing several educational reforms. Starting in September 2026, primary schools will adopt a new state-run curriculum for first-grade pupils. This reform aims to replace rote learning with an emphasis on comprehension, critical thinking, and practical application. While schools for students with special educational needs are exempt for the 2026/27 school year, mandatory adoption is set for September 2027. Additionally, new regulations regarding kindergarten attendance in Slovakia will take effect this September. The Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth is introducing two regimes for justifying absences in mandatory pre-primary education. Under a stricter regime, parents can justify absences for a maximum of seven consecutive days and up to 21 days per semester. A more lenient regime, which may not require a doctor’s note for certain durations, can be applied by school directors if absence rates remain below specific Ministry reference values. Under the more lenient regime, medical certificates are not required for absences of up to seven consecutive days, provided they do not exceed 14 days in a single month or 21 days over two consecutive months. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: Slovakia introduces new kindergarten attendance rules for September Slovakia is introducing new kindergarten attendance rules this September, featuring stricter and more lenient excuse regimes. Meanwhile, Czech Education Minister Plaga seeks to boost funding for essential high- 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/education-policy-changes-in-slovakia-and-czech-republic ### 2026-08-03: Slovakia launches mandatory primary school curriculum reform Slovakia will start a mandatory primary‑school curriculum reform in September, shifting from memorisation to understanding and critical thinking; special‑needs schools remain optional until 2027. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovakia-launches-mandatory-primary-school-curriculum-reform --- Cite as: Slovakian education policy reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/slovakian-education-policy-reforms