Latvia: State auditors criticise effectiveness of education policy

Latvia’s State Audit Office (LRVK) has criticised the Ministry of Education and Science for ineffective policies in attracting and retaining teachers, LETA reports. A significant portion of new teachers leave within five years due to systemic issues, including constant changes, insufficient teaching materials, poor remuneration, and uncertainty about reforms. The audit notes that the ministry’s planning is not based on current data, leading to a mismatch in teacher training. Furthermore, professional support and health insurance coverage for teachers are inadequate. Although the ministry has initiated measures to address these issues, they were implemented late and have not yet been effective. The audit calls for better planning for recruitment, improved professional support, competitive salaries, and manageable workloads.