The Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee reviewed the draft law on General Education.

The draft law was presented at the committee meeting for I reading under an expedited procedure by Tamar Makharashvili, Deputy Education, Science and Youth Minister.

The bill provides for the gradual introduction of school textbooks developed by the Ministry into the educational process during the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 academic years, depending on specific grades and subjects.

Until the new textbooks are fully introduced, schools will continue to use textbooks that had been approved prior to the reform and/or those aligned with the standards established by the National Curriculum and agreed upon with the Education, Science and Youth Ministry.

According to the draft law, from 1 September 2028, general education institutions will be required to conduct educational activities exclusively using textbooks developed by the Ministry and/or approved in agreement with the Ministry.

Accordingly, the process of developing and introducing school textbooks will be implemented gradually and is expected to be completed before the beginning of the 2028–2029 academic year.

The Committee also considered, at I reading and under the expedited procedure, amendments to the Law on General Education aimed at expanding employment opportunities in schools.

According to Tamar Makharashvili, the amendments introduce the legal definitions of: Teacher Candidate; Substitute Special Teacher; Program Teacher; and Program Special Teacher.

Under the proposed amendments, a person may be employed as a Teacher Candidate if they hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and have vocational education qualifications in the field of Information and Communication Technologies.

The amendments will also increase opportunities to temporarily address the shortage of special teachers caused by the departure of practicing special teachers from the education system starting 1 January 2026. In addition, schools will be able to appoint substitutes for special teachers who are temporarily absent (due to leave, maternity leave, or other reasons).

The right to work as a Special Teacher will also be granted to individuals who have obtained teaching qualifications through any legally recognized pathway and who have additionally passed the Special Teacher Examination.

The Committee approved the drafts.