Minority MPs propose higher language standard for teachers
Ljubljana, 19 November - The MPs representing the Italian and Hungarian minority have tabled legislation that would raise the language requirement for teachers and other staff working in bilingual schools and kindergartens.
In amendments presented on Friday, Felice Žiža and Ferenc Horvath propose that even teachers who teach Slovenian or other foreign languages must pass an Italian exam equivalent to the C1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The existing law exempts teachers of Slovenian from having to be proficient in Italian.
The required level of Italian would also be raised for other staff at bilingual schools, including administrative and technical staff.
Staff who have not finished Italian-language primary or secondary school now need C1 certificates; under the proposed changes, they would have to display mother-tongue proficiency.
The drafters say the amendments are designed to improve the quality of instruction and are based on input from head teachers and teachers.
Better quality of instruction is essential for the existence and development of the community, they said.