"I propose that teachers be given the right to retake the exam twice, that their participation in training be ensured during this period, and that the procedure for terminating the employment contract in case of an unsuccessful result for the third time be specifically indicated".
These words were stated by Vasif Qafarov, a member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis and a deputy, in a statement to AzEdu.az.
The deputy stated that the lack of clear mechanisms for the application of attestation results in court also increases the risk of labor disputes:
"At the same time, the organization of commissions and lengthy procedures lead to the inefficient use of state funds. Therefore, replacing attestation with certification, which is a more modern and transparent mechanism, is considered more appropriate. In accordance with the proposed amendments to the Labor Code, the scope of certification is expanded in Article 67-2, and this mechanism applies not only to general education institutions but also to music, art, and painting schools.
However, we must consider that practical skills are fundamental in the fields of music, art, and painting. Therefore, I believe that a separate evaluation of the practical component is important, and this component should constitute at least 50 percent of the overall result in the evaluation. This will serve to objectively measure real professional competence." Within the framework of amendments to the "Law on Education," it is envisaged that teachers of music, art, and painting schools will be excluded from attestation and included in certification.
Article 33.3.9 stipulates that certification shall be mandatory. However, cases of unsuccessful results must be clearly regulated here. Precise legal regulation of the impact of this procedure on the employment contract is also important. I propose that teachers be given the right to retake the exam twice, that their participation in training be ensured during this period, and that the procedure for terminating the employment contract in case of an unsuccessful result for the third time be specifically indicated. I believe that the main goal here should not be to punish, but to encourage professional development".
Overall, I believe that involving educators working in music, art, and painting schools in certification will increase the transparency of evaluation, enable the comparison of results, and more objectively measure professional aptitude:
"The draft law submitted for discussion envisages the improvement of the mechanism for evaluating the professional level of teachers working in state children's music, art, and painting schools operating under the Ministry of Culture.
It is known to all of us that the existing attestation system is primarily based on documents and oral evaluation, while written tests, digital evaluation, and specific performance criteria are not applied. This leads to a decrease in objectivity, the emergence of subjective approaches, and legally debatable results. However, for this, I consider it important to prepare a high-quality question bank, train specialists, and establish a robust digital system. I propose the implementation of a pilot project in the initial stage and the introduction of improvements based on the results.
Increasing motivation is also important. I believe it is also crucial to ensure that teachers who achieve successful results are given differential salary supplements commensurate with their results, are granted preference in career advancement, and that certification results are used as a primary criterion during recruitment and appointment.
Most importantly, certification should become a tool for professional development, not a means of dismissal. It is also important to develop separate criteria for the fields of music, art, and painting, and to study international experience. I believe that if these changes are implemented, the quality of education will increase, the professional development of teachers will be strengthened, and a more efficient use of state funds will be ensured".
