Education and Science, Latvia, Legislation

Druviete told newspaper "Vesti Segonda" that the ratio of classes taught in Latvian to classes taught in minority languages is currently 60:40 in most minority schools.

However, 15 years have passed since this proportion was established. A lot has changed - teachers have become better qualified, and children have learnt that bilingualism is in their interests.

Therefore, Druviete urges minority schools to revise the proportion of classes taught in Latvian. This, however, is only a suggestion, which is not controlled or enforced in any way.

The newspaper notes that the proportion of classes taught in Latvian could increase to 80 percent in minority schools in the future. So far, five minority schools have switched to the 80:20 ratio.

Druviete previously told LETA that no changes were planned for minority schools this year.

The transition to Latvian as the instruction language will take place in 2018, nevertheless, minority language and culture classes will still be taught in a given minority's language.