administration and management 64 and more and the procedure for organization and implementation of matura exams; establishes, liquidates, and reorganizes vocational schools and approves general plans. Science and studies: upon agreement with other Doctoral studies ministries concerned, the Ministry submits proposals to the Government regarding establishment, reorganisation,

University Master’s dult education studies A and liquidation of higher education and

Non-degree postgraduate studies postgraduate Non-degree research institutions; issues licenses to conduct studies; drafts projects on state Bachelor’s College Professional budget allocations for state institutions studies Bachelor’s studies (Master’s) studies (Master’s) Ministry of Education and Science of science and studies; approves general University integrated integrated University

Upper Vocational cycle, integrated, and Master study education Goals and objectives of the Ministry of programmes;and special requirements establishes afor procedure first- Education and Science: to implement of competition among persons

Theoretical age Theoretical the national system of formal and non- who acquired education in foreign formal education which secures social institutions for admission to state- Lower secondary education attitudes in favour of education and creates conditions for lifelong learning in a changing democratic society; to Mfinancedunicipalities studies, execute etc. the national implement the state policy of science in the municipality, and studies in accordance with the approve strategic education plans for Primary education * Non-formal children’s education children’s * Non-formal Law on Science and Studies and other the municipality as well as the general legal acts; to coordinate the activity of plan for the restructuring of the school Pre-primary education Lithuanian institutions of science and network, form the network of pre- studies, etc. In order to implement the schools, pre-primary schools, primary, assigned tasks, the Ministry develops basic and secondary schools, ensure Pre-school education one-year and long-term educational the environment necessary to provide investment programmes, approves compulsory education to children, initiate requirements for the regulations that the formation of the network of of state-run and municipal schools; vocational education and * Education can be conducted under the pre-school and pre-primary education programme, but is not systemic. approves the general curriculum content is in line with the needs of the population, of formal education, and achievement independently form the network of levels; organizes and coordinates non-formal education providers, etc. the accreditation of the secondary Municipalities take care of the education education programme; approves the of children with needs procedure of consecutive learning and the network of schools providing under general education programmes special education.

2 ● EDUCATION IN EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA ● 3 Financing Pre-school and pre-primary education

applying the methodology of the pupil’s Pre-school education under the pre- skills, health protection, and world voucher, i.e. the calculation of teaching school education programme is provided comprehension. funds per pupil. The same principle is ap- to children from one to six years of age. If a child is educated at home, his/her plied when allocating utility funds. Institutional pre-school education is parents are informed about pre-primary Financing of higher education. Every year, not compulsory and is provided upon education novelties and consulted on the state allocates funds from the state parents’ request. This kind of education important child education issues. Upon budget for studies in institutions of higher can be compulsory in individual cases parents’ request, children can be pro- education. Pupils who graduated from vided with special pedagogical and psy- schools with the best grades are admitted etc.). Pre-school education is provided chological assistance. by(to publicchildren and from private social nurseries- risk families, - , kindergartens, and grammesto the state-financed is determined seats by (their the Government number kindergartens-schools. Pre-primary education groups are ondepending a yearly onbasis) study and fields receive or study a study pro Pre-primary education. Education attended by approx. 90 percent of pre- voucher which covers tuition in both public is provided for one year. Education is • primary age children. and private institutions of higher educa- tion. The rest of the students need to pay provided to 6-year-old (in exceptional infants should be established in Education of pupils in pre-school and pre- for their studies. The cost of study is deter- intended to better prepare children for • The first groups for 0-1 year-old kindergartens of large cities by 2012. primary education groups and general mined by the institutions of higher educa- schoolcases – entry. five-year-old) Education children is free, anduniversally is Parents will be able to leave their tion. Students can take a state-supported available, but is not compulsory. Parents state budget target grant under the princi- loan to pay for the study costs or living have the right to decide whether their six- care for an hour or more. pleeducation of the pupil’s schools voucher. is financed Every through year, the a expenses. Students with good academic year-old child should be educated under babies in such groups to the staff’s state allocates, by taking into account the results may be awarded incentive grants in the pre-primary education programme In 2010-2012, rooms for children in kindergartens are going to be number of pupils, a special target grant to accordance with the procedure established or not. Pre-primary education groups are • municipalities. The pupil’s voucher is al- by the institutions of higher education. established in kindergartens or schools. modernized by means of the EU located both for public and private schools. - In remote villages, municipalities can litas). When moving to another school, a pupil located to residents of the EU and Economic establish such groups in community structural funds (approx. 88 million takes his voucher with him. The pupil‘s AreaState-financed countries, study foreigners seats whosecan also perma be al- multi-functional centres or children can voucher includes money for teachers‘ nent place of residence is Lithuania, and be brought by school buses free of charge salaries, upgrading of teachers‘ skills, text- - to the nearest school, where such group books, special psychological aid, profes- nanced seats in and 50 seats in has been established. The following sional guidance, modules of professional collegesexpatriates can of be Lithuanian allocated to origin. these 50 students. state-fi artistic education programmes, adminis- Students, who cannot speak Lithuanian and flexible pre-primary group models are tration of matura examinations, etc. wish to study this language, can take a one- a few days per week, at weekends, or offered to municipalities: groups working Utility expenses of private schools are year preparatory course. during school holidays, groups of a camping type, etc. covered by their stakeholders. Funds The state also allocates funds to state high- for schools of traditional religious com- er education and research institutions for Children attending pre-primary groups munities are allocated by the state under learn new skills which will be useful in the Agreement between the Republic of cultural) development, artistic activity, ad- school: to interact with their peers and Lithuania and the Holy See. ministrationscientific research, and utilities, experimental and other (social, needs. adults as well as to orient themselves in a new environment. The following Percentage of GDP allocated for competences are mostly developed through the state budget. Vocational education: 2010 – 7.0 percent. Primary vocational training is financed through games: social and artistic 2009 – 7.27 percent of GDP. education providers receive financing by 4 ● EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA ● 5 General Education Lower secondary education System indicating the educational level achieved Lithuania has implemented a 12-year are able to choose subject modules and Children who attend schools for national In form 9 (form 1 in gymnasiums), pupils general education system. (satisfactory, basic, higher). study optional subjects following their minorities start learning Lithuanian interests and abilities. st form. All pri- Primary education Foreign pupils who cannot speak foreign(state language) language fromin the the 2nd 1 form. Lithuanian, but wish to study in mary school pupils start learning the first Lithuanian general education schools, can According to the Law on Education, attend one-year compensatory classes children who have reached seven years In 2010, 1,365 general education and compensatory mobile groups. of age must go to the 1st form. If parents schools of various types were • operating in Lithuania. In Lithuania, education is compulsory for children until they reach 16 years of age. mature to study under the primary In academic year 2009-2010, schools Compulsory education is usually provid- educationwish so and programme, if the child he/sheis sufficiently can start numbered about 425 thousand pupils. Upon completion of primary education, ed up to the 10th form. Having completed attending school from six years of age. • The academic year in general pupils start studying under the 6-year the 10th form and acquired basic educa- The duration of the primary education education schools starts on the 1st of lower secondary education programme. tion, pupils can continue their studies programme is four years. Compulsory • September. The lower secondary education under the secondary education or voca- primary education can be obtained in The duration of one lesson is 45 programme is implemented by basic, tional education programme, or under kindergartens-schools, in primary schools st form – 35 minutes). secondary, youth, and vocational schools the secondary education programme and, which is less common, in basic or • and gymnasiums. together with the vocational education secondary schools. minutes (in the 1 The compulsory lower secondary educa- programme for the acquisition of the • Holidays: autumn (seven calendar tion programme consists of two parts: days), Christmas (14 calendar days), part I – a 4-year programme implemented Parents and children can also choose Easter (seven calendar days) and first qualification. the 31st of August, for primary school th forms and part II – a 2-year schools of non-traditional education or summer (from the middle of June till • programme implemented in the 9-10th Youth schools are meant for 12–16 individual classes/groups in municipal the 31st of August). in the 5-8st nd year-old adolescents that have not and 2 forms in gymnasiums). • schools. Montessori, Waldorf, Suzuki pupils – from the beginning of June to managed to adapt to studying at schools pedagogical systems can be chosen in In academic year 2009–2010, Pupils can start learning the second for- formseign language (1 in the 5th form and in the 6th of general education, lack motivation Lithuania. pupils studied the following foreign • form the second foreign language is com- or have no other choice because of the social situation that they face. third foreign language in total): pulsory. Pupils who study under the basic languages (as the first, second and Achievements and progress of the education programme must be engaged pupils in forms 1-4 is not assessed with 10.9 percent, French – 2.6 percent, in social activities. English – 88.8 percent, German – marks. Assessment is based on the Russian – 40.9 percent, Polish – 0.025 The usual grading system at the Level is a ten-point scale. idiographic principle, i.e. the individual percent, Italian – 0.061 percent, child’s progress made with regard to Result Grade Short description in Lithuanian Short description in English languages – 0.039 percent. 10 puikiai excellent his/her personality is assessed and Spanish – 0.089 percent, and other a criteria-referenced assessment is For the period of 2007–2013, EU 9 labai gerai very good gerai good applied. Pupils are provided with support in the amount of 676.1 • PASS 7 pakankamai gerai good enough assessment information orally or in million litas allocated for the School 8 6 patenkinamai satisfactory the form of a short description of their 5 pakankamai patenkinamai satisfactory enough was implemented in Lithuanian general particular achievements. At the end of the Improvement Programme Plus (MTP+) 4 silpnai weak education schools. trimester, semester or academic year, a 3 blogai poor summarized assessment is carried out by FAIL 2 labai blogai very poor 1 no answer provided, failed to complete the task

nieko neatsakė, neatliko užduoties 6 ● EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA ● 7 Upper secondary education Non-formal children’s education in children’s music, art, and sports schools or any other school can be recognized as a vocational education module. Pupils can also choose education which mostly corresponds to their values, • world outlook, religious beliefs, and Special education philosophical views. Such education is Special education is provided in pre- provided in schools of non-traditional school education establishments and education. Schools of non-traditional general education schools of all types. If education may operate according to needed, general education programmes their own programmes, but the to- can be adapted by taking into account tal number of subjects and the total the pupil’s special education needs. Free number of hours allocated for each assistance of special pedagogues, speech therapists, psychologists, and other subject in forms 1-12 can differ from the education plans by not more than 25 specialists can be provided to pupils in numbers specified in the state general percent. schools as well as to parents and teachers in other institutions. A child’s need for After classes, pupils can choose various special education is determined by a leisure activities provided in schools free municipal pedagogical psychological Upper secondary education is not programme can include modules of of charge or attend separate sports, music, service or by a school special-education compulsory and is usually provided the vocational education programme. commission. Upper secondary education is provided schools, and children’s clubs. The latter secondary schools and forms 3 and 4 in in secondary schools, gymnasiums, and fine arts, art, aviation, and choreography for two years (forms 11 and 12 in activities are partially paid; professional gymnasiums). Pupils study according vocational schools. artists, sportsmen, and teachers work Matura Examinations to individual education plans. The with children. In spring, upon completion of the In schools, pupils can be excused from secondary education programme, school- attending weekly classes in Arts and leavers take matura examinations. Matura Physical Training, if they have graduated examinations may be of two types, i.e. from art schools or study Fine Arts, school-level or national-level. To be Choreography, or Music in art schools or non-formal education establishments matura examinations must be passed: a awarded a School Leaving Certificate, two specializing in sports. The long-term compulsory exam in Lithuanian and an artistic education programme completed optional exam. School-leavers who wish The usual grading system at the Secondary School Level State Exams is on a one hundred-point scale.

Short description of one hundred- Result Grade Short description point scale used in State exams in Lithuania

Grades 50-100 correspond to grades The hundred-point scale evaluation 9-10 on the ten-point scale. The 50-100 system can also be referred to as a normative evaluation system. PASS honours is awarded. In short, when this type of evaluation School Leaving Certificate with system is used all grades of all students There are no equivalents on the ten- 1-49 who sit for a National Level Matura Exam point scale. are compared to each other and in such a FAIL 0 way the final results are brought. 8 ● EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA ● 9 Post-secondary Vocational Education to enter institutions of higher education education The vocational education system covers tences, teaching goals, and assessment studies of Arts) must pass at least three Having acquired secondary education and primary and continuing vocational educa- provisions. The second part is optional maturaand receive examinations. state funding In total, (except six formatura the decided to pursue their studies, students tion and training. The vocational educa- and covers teaching methods, subject exams may be taken. can choose studies in a vocational school tion system lies within the responsibility programmes, teaching aids, etc. The pro- State examinations are conducted or studies in an institution of higher of the Ministry of Education and Science. gramme must include the subjects or mod- centrally – school leavers are registered in education – a college or a university. The Ministry is also the stakeholder of ules of Entrepreneurship, Civil Protection, the database of the National Examination the majority of vocational education Ecology, Information Technologies, and Centre; examinations are taken in establishments. The majority of the voca- municipal examination centres; pupils are tional education establishments are state Foreign60-70 percent Language of thefor Specifictotal time Purposes. allocated given coded numbers which are attached budgetary institutions and part of the to vocational subjects should be devoted to their examination papers and the latter to practical training. Usually, practical are sent to the National Examination are public institutions. The main govern- vocational education establishments (13) training is conducted at the school or in a Centre where they are assessed by hired ing body of public vocational education company. Training can also be performed experts. establishments is the general meeting of under exchange programmes. Having completed the secondary stakeholders in which each stakeholder education programme and passed matura has one vote. Municipalities, social part- ners, and other stakeholders may partici- separated from teaching; pupils’ training examinations, school-leavers acquire isThe assessed final assessment by social partners. of qualifications is secondary education. pate in the governing of the vocational education establishment on equal terms Having completed the vocational educa- Secondary and higher education acquired tion programme and passed examina- in other countries is assessed by the of Education and Science). - Lithuanian Centre for Quality Assessment in with the main stakeholder (the Ministry Vocational schools provide both tion. Pupils who have acquired second- home page www.skvc.lt). arytions, education pupils obtain can continue vocational their qualifica studies Higher Education ( secondary education. The duration of in colleges or universities. Successful thetraining programmes for qualification can be either and basic two or graduates as well as graduates who have three years depending on whether it is work experience according to their qual- intended to provide basic or secondary education or whether it is adapted to entering institutions of higher education. ification receive additional points when persons with special needs. The duration of studies for students who have already acquired secondary education is 1 to • There are 78 vocational schools in private). 1.5 years. Requirements for vocational Lithuania (2010) (three of them are education programmes are set out by the In the academic year 2009-2010, voca- tional schools numbered 47.9 thousand General Requirements and Standards • for Vocational Education of the Ministry students, which is the largest number of of Education and Science. Vocational students over the past decade. education programmes are developed by vocational education providers in pursue basic education in vocational • 1.9 thousand (4 percent) students cooperation with employers. - cent) students pursue secondary The education programme consists of schools and 30.9 thousand (65 per thousand) of vocational school pupils education. More than one-third (15.1 study profession only. two parts. The first part is applicable to- all schools in the country and defines the 10 ● EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA fields of professional activities, compe EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA ● 11 Studies University studies are conducted The state policy of science and studies by universities, academies, and are awarded to approx. 15 percent of • Every year, School Leaving Certificates of Lithuania is formed by the and seminaries. all graduates in the country. In 2009, 5 implemented by the Government, the percent of vocational school graduates Ministry of Education and Science and Science and Art) can be conducted by entered colleges or universities. other ministries, the Research Council of universitiesThird-cycle studies or universities (doctoral togetherstudies in The proportion of vocational school Lithuania, the State Studies Foundation, with research institutions. The pupils was 67 percent for males and the Centre for Quality Assessment in • and 33 percent for females. Every Higher Education, etc. determined by the Government. Studies are conducted according scope (duration) of doctoral studies is thousand or 22 percent) is a minor fifth vocational school pupil (10.4 to degree and non-degree study training) can be conducted by universities programmes. There are two types of and/orNon-degree colleges. studies (Residency, teacher (i.e.Vocational is under schools 18 years train of overage). 12 study programmes: university and thousand specialists every year. • college. Studies are organised in three Students who have gained practical work Higher education schools can provide In 2003, the ReferNet Lithuania experience and completed additional joint study programmes, upon network was launched and since Bachelor’s or University Bachelor’s the completion of which a joint • then it has united over 20 various studies,cycles: the the first second cycle cycle – Professional – Master’s by the higher education institution) can qualification degree is awarded as well organizations. The goal of the studies, and the third cycle – Doctoral pursuestudies their(their studies duration under is determined a university as programmes, upon the completion cooperation of the organizations Master’s programme. of which a double qualification degree is to promote the development of intensity: full-time and part-time. College studies are conducted by colleges vocational education and human studies. Studies can be of different is awarded in the case where the study Higher education studies in Colleges resources by using knowledge-based programmeis awarded. Ais joint conducted qualification by at least degree are oriented towards training for profes- solutions. (publicUniversity and studies private). are rather oriented two institutions of higher education, sional activities. The duration of full-time towards universal academic education, Over one thousand vocational school studies is usually three years and the du- pupils and teachers participate in theoretical training, and the highest level • ration of part-time studies is four years. Leonardo da Vinci mobility projects of professional excellence. University theusually study in programmedifferent countries. meets both A double the Practical training covers at least one third every year. degree study programmes can be qualification degree is awarded when of the study programme. Graduates are integrated and minimum requirements of another awarded a Professional Bachelor’s degree. requirements of the major study field , when studies of the first and medical studies, etc.). The most common these programmes are laid down by the second cycles are combined (e.g. law, duration of full-time Bachelor’s studies Ministrystudy field. of EducationGeneral requirements and Science. of is four years. The duration of part-time In Lithuania, study programmes are The Bachelor’s study programme includes Bachelor’s studies is mostly five years. • a theoretical part and a research part. provided by 23 colleges (10 of which Upon completion of the studies, graduates which are private). are private) and 23 universities (eight of are awarded a Bachelor’s degree. In 2009, 36,374 students were admitted to institutions of higher education: Students can pursue their studies for • a Master’s degree; the duration of Master’s studies is 1.5 to two years. 23,538 students were admitted to Upon completion of the Master’s studies, universities and 12,836 – to colleges. students who wish to be engaged in 20,891 first-year students received the previous years). More than a half academic activities can pursue doctoral full state financing (twice as many as

of first-year students studied free studies (they last four years). 12 ● EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA ● 13 Since 1993, except for several institutions of higher education in Lithuania, activities are conducted by foreign students have been evaluated on a ten-point grading scale students pay tuition fee for their teachers; 3) studies are conducted Five-point gra- of charge. Another 15,483 admitted Ten-point grading system studies: 11,949 students were admitted under joint study programmes or ding system Approximate to universities and 3,534 – to colleges. study programmes, upon completion Short des- Approximate Short des- esult percentage of the R cription in equivalent in cription in Performance description knowledge requi- The study year is divided into semesters G rade Lithuanian G rade ECTS* Lithuanian degree is awarded, and part of red and holiday periods. The beginning and of which a double qualification • these programmes is taught in Excellent performance, end of the semesters in the study year 10 A puikiai outstanding knowledge and other countries, private schools of and holiday periods are determined by labai gerai 5 ≥ 92 higher education where the teaching gerai Strong performance, good the Senate of the institution of higher skills (excellent) language is other than Lithuanian, 9 B labai gerai good) etc.; 4) studies are conducted under 84-91 knowledge and skills (very summer, students must have at least Above the average per- education (Academic Council). In one month of uninterrupted holidays. the study programmes designed B or C gerai formance, knowledge and for foreign students or are part of 8 75-83 The language of instruction in 4 gerai Average performance, academic exchange programmes. skills (good) PASS knowledge and skills with public schools of higher education is 7 C or D 67-74 vidutiniškai • unessential shortcomings Lithuanian. Teaching can be conducted 2.4 billion litas of EU structural funds are planned to be allocated for the in other languages when: 1) the • Below average performance, (highly satisfactory) development of Lithuanian higher patenkina- knowledge and skills with contents of the study programmes 6 D mai substantial shortcomings is connected to another language; education and research in the period from 2007 to 2013. 3 patenkinamai 58-66 2) lectures are given or other academic Knowledge and skills meet (satisfactory) 5 E 50-57 silpnai - cient) minimum criteria (suffi nepatenkina- 4 40-49 2 mai 3 30-39 Knowledge and skills do not nepatenki- F/FX meet minimum criteria/

FAIL namai 2 20-29 below 1 blogai 1 0-19

*ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System

Improvement of Teachers’ Skills

There are over 40 thousand teachers in Regulations of the Teacher Performance - the total number of teachers, including tion categories: teacher, senior teacher, vocationalLithuania (in school academic teachers, year was 2009-2010 43.710). teacher-supervisor,Appraisal specify four and teacher teacher-expert. qualifica During an academic year, teachers have Since 2010, students who enter pedagogi- - cal studies have to take a motivation test. ment of their skills. Every municipality The motivation test enables the institu- hasto allocate a teacher five education days for the centre, improve in which tions to select the most motivated stu- dents. Future pedagogues with the best These services are also provided by vari- achievement results receive an incentive - ousteachers private can institutions. upgrade their qualifications. an additional target grant of 400 litas There is a system implemented for the teacher performance appraisal. The (approx. 115 euros).

14 ● EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA ● 15 Adult Education Reference Levels of The modular learning method creates - opportunities to study single subjects European Average ingOnce opportunities students have for reached further 18 education. years of and complete the selected education pro- Performance Itage, is possiblethey are tooffered continue a variety one’s educationof interest gramme within acceptable time frames in general education schools and centres as well as study for the purposes of self- for adults, by taking various courses or education. Extramural students arrive on a strategic framework for European just using the Internet, reading books, to the adult school only for consultations cooperation(Council Conclusions in education of 12 and May training 2009 or developing one’s interests in special and their credit tests. Part of consulta- literature. tions under the correspondence and indi- (‘ET 2020’) (2009/C 119/02) Adults can obtain primary, basic or 1. At least 95% of children between secondary education in adult schools, for disabled people) can be provided by vidual programmes (and all consultations four years of age and the age for education centres, and general education means of distance learning, i.e. by com- starting compulsory primary schools with forms established for adults. municating with teachers with the help of education should participate in early General education of adults is organised information technologies – Internet sites, childhood education. by approx. 60 institutions in all munici- e-mail, or Internet Telephony Programs. 2. The share of early leavers from palities of the country, which number Adults study not only in order to ob- education and training should be less 90,1% (2008) about 12 thousand adults. These schools tain formal education, but also for self- than 10%. Situation in EuropeLithuania: (ES-27): also provide non-formal adult education expression, improvement of their skills, 65% (2008) services. or communication with other people. 14.4% (2009) Situation in Europe (ES-27): The scope and subjects of study pro- In non-formal adult education courses Situation in Lithuania: grammes for adults are adapted accord- and seminars most adults would like to 8,7% (2009) ing to the needs of adults. study foreign languages, Basics of Law and Business, Psychology, Computer Adults who study under general edu- 3. The share of low-achieving 15-year Literacy as well as Arts, Literature, and olds in reading, mathematics and cation and non-formal education pro- Philosophy. Improvement of competences science should be less than 15 %. - form that is most suitable for them – tions, and career management is also grammes can choose a flexible learning reading) modular learning, independent learning, topical.in civic education,Non-formal traffic adult safety education regula is Situation in Lithuania:Europe (ES-27): extramural studies, or distance learning. organized by approx. 700 public and pri- 24.1% (2006, reading) These forms allow adults to choose the vate institutions. Adult learning also takes most suitable time and study programme place in the workplace and is organized 25.7% (2006, for their studies as well as plan their by the employers, who take into account 4. The share of 30-34 year olds with learning process on their own. their business demands. tertiary education attainment should According to the data of the Department be at least 40%. of Statistics under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania as of 2006, during 32.3% (2009) Situation in Lithuania:Europe (ES-27): 40,6% (2009) other)one year studied 987 thousand in various 25-64 education year-old insti - tutions,residents participated of the country in courses (55% or organized every 5. An average of at least 15% of adults by various learning providers, or studied should participate in lifelong learning.

as big compared to the results of the sta- 9.3% (2009) on their own. This figure is almost twice tistical analysis of the lifelong learning of Situation in Lithuania:Europe (ES-27): residents conducted in 2003. 4.5% (2009).

16 ● EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA ● 17 lithuania in Brief notaBle dates of lithuanian history

Legislative power lies with the unicam- 1009 1922 pendent Lithuania was adopted (the second Lithuania’s name was first mentioned in Theconstitution first permanent was adopted constitution in 1928 andof the the inde- 6 July 1253 Grand Duke Mindaugas was crowned written sources (Quedllinburg’s Annals). third constitution was adopted in 1938 which Members of the Seimas are elected for a as King of Lithuania. Lithuanian State Day. eral Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas). established the President’s institution). four-year term. Executive power is exer- 1387 Christening of Lithuania. cised by the Government. 1922 The Lithuanian University was established in 1397 . 1930 The university was renamed to Vytautas Magnus University based on the administrative division: nine cities, 1410 The first school was opened in . army of the Grand and artes liberales idea (the university was rees- 60 municipalities. theThe Kingdom battle of Tannenbergof Poland defeated (Žalgiris). the Thearmy joint of tablished after occupation in 1989). the Teutonic Order. 15 June 1940 Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet area: 65.3 thousand square kilometers. 1529 Union. came into power. It covered the political in 1941 June Mass deportations of to climate: transitional between maritime structure,The First Lithuanian judicial system, Statute the (codified right of privatelaw) Siberia began. ownership, and the criminal law of the Grand 22 June 1941 The German army entered Lithuania. and continental. Lithuania lies in the Duchy of Lithuania, as well as other legal is- German occupation began. cool moderate climate zone. The average in 1566 and 1588 the second and third Lithuanian Statutes were issued). 1944 Lithuania was occupied by the Red Army. sues ( the average winter temperature is approx 1547 1944-1953 Repressions, mass deportations of temperature in July is approx. 17°C and LithuaniaThe first Lithuanian Minor. book – Martynas 300,000 people were victimized), nationali- Mažvydas’ “Katekizmas” was published in zationLithuanians of farms to Siberian and industry, gulags active (around guerrilla 1569 The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth came -5°C; the seasonal temperature range is resistance. into being. capitalapprox. :20°C. Ever since 1945 1579 was established. of�icial languageVilnius (since: Lithuanian; 1323). it belongs 1773 The Educational Commission of the Kingdom cultural andLithuanians public organizations that fled to workingthe West in of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania support(usually ofto Lithuaniathe USA) have and Lithuanianformed political, identity. Lithuania is situated on the southeastern to the group of Indo-European languages. was established. A reform of the entire 14 may 1972 19 year-old student Romas Kalanta, educational system of the state – from the coast of the Baltic Sea. Lithuania borders committed self-immolation in the City provincial school to the university – was in- with Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and Russia Population: Gardens of Kaunas in protest of the Soviet the data of the Department of Statistics occupation. Spontaneous demonstrations of such scale implemented in Europe. under the Government 3,310,687 of(according the Republic to of troduced. It was the first educational reform Baltic Sea coast is 90.66 km. 1791 Soviet regime arrested around 400 people. (Kaliningrad region). The length of the Lithuania as of 2010). world‘s second written constitution – was took place in diff erent parts of the city. The 23 august 1988 A public rally in protest of the adopted.The Constitution – Europe‘s first and the The Lithuania-Belarus border and the Soviet occupation took place in Vilnius and border between Lithuania and the religion: 79 percent – Roman 1795 Following the third division of the was attended by over 200 000 people. Catholic, 4.07 percent – Orthodox, Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth, Russia Russian Federation are also borders of 23 august 1989 The Baltic Road. Over 2 million seized control of Lithuania. the European Union. 0.56 percent – Evangelical Lutherans, Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians joined 1864 Lithuanian press was banned. Book smug- hands in a human chain. glers were bringing banned Lithuanian system of government: parliamen- percent – Muslim sunni, 0.04 percent – 11 march 1990 Restoration of independ- ent Lithuania was declared. Day of the tary republic. The head of state is the 0.2 percent – Reformed Church, 0.08 Lithuania Minor to Lithuania. Lithuanian Restitution of Independence of Lithuania. villagesprayer-books, saw the primers emergence and fiction of underground from currencyJudaism, 14.86: percent – non-believers. schools where children were taught to read 11 February 1991 year term. The President appoints the and write in their native tongue. try to recognize independent Lithuania. President elected directly for a five- Iceland became the first coun- time zonelitas: (Lt). 1 EUR=3.45 Lt. 1883-1886, 1889-1905 2004 Lithuania joined the European Union and NATO. Prime Minister (upon the approval of brought from LithuaniaThe first Minor Lithuanian to Lithuania news- Prime Minister’s motion) and is the 2009 In celebration of the millennium of internet country UTC + code:2 .lt andpapers circulated “Au ra” andin the “Varpas” country. were secretly Commander-in-Chiefthe Seimas) and Ministers of the (upon Armed the forces. Lithuania‘s name, a Lithuanian crew sailed 1904 The ban of the Lithuanian press was abol- The President also appoints judges. telephone country code: ished. to commemorate this date in most parts of thearound world the where world Lithuanian on the yacht communities „Ambersail“ 16 February 1918 Lithuania declared its inde- were established. The Millennium Odyssey + 370 pendence. The Day of the Declaration of yacht covered 43,427 nautical miles. Lithuania’s Independence.

18 ● EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA ● 19 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA A.Volano str. 2/7 LT-01516 Vilnius

Tel. (+370 5) 219 11 90 E-mail [email protected] Fax (+370 5) 261 20 77 http://www.smm.lt

Education in Lithuania

Translated by UAB „Okas Language Solution“ Edited by Rūta Šlapkauskaitė Layout and design by Rasa Steponavičiūtė Vytautas Sadauskas, Egidijus Skiparis Photography by Renata Česnavičienė, ELTA, Lietuvos švietimas 3-ioji pataisyta laida

2010-12-10. Tiražas 1000 egz. Išleido Švietimo ir mokslo ministerijos Švietimo LT-01112 Vilnius aprūpinimo centras, Geležinio Vilko g. 12,

Rengė spaudai ir spausdino UAB „Sapnų sala“, S. Moniuškos g. 21, LT-08121 Vilnius

ISSN 1822-4822

ministry of Education and science of the republic of lithuania, 2004, 2006, 2010