Rationale of the law
The law establishes the goals of education of the Republic of Lithuania, the principles and structure of the education system, educational activities and educational relationships as well as the obligations of the state.
Concept of lifelong learning
The concept of lifelong learning is not explicitly mentioned in the law. Instead, the law defines education as an activity intended to provide individuals with a basis for a fulfilling, independent life and to assist them in the continuous cultivation of their abilities. Every citizen has an inherent right to learn. Education is a means of shaping the future of individuals, society and the state. It is based on the acknowledgement of the indisputable value of the individual and his/her right to freedom of choice and moral responsibility, as well as on democratic relationships and the country’s cultural traditions. Education protects and creates national identity, guarantees continuity of the values that make a person’s life meaningful, fosters social coherence and solidarity, and promotes the development and security of the state.
Main regulations
The law refers to all levels of the education system, from preschool to adult education. According to the law, the education system comprises formal, non-formal and informal education as well as educational support:
- Formal education: preschool; pre-primary; primary, basic and secondary education; vocational education and training; higher education; education of learners with special educational needs
- Non-formal education: non-formal education of children; non-formal adult education
- Informal education
- Educational support: vocational guidance; informational, psychological, socio-pedagogical and special pedagogical support; healthcare at school; consultation services for teachers; in-service training of teachers
The following main issues concerning education in Lithuania are regulated in the law:
- Structure of the education system
- Accessibility and quality of education
- Founding, activity, closure and restructuring of schools and other educational institutions
- Rights and duties of learners, parents and guardians, teachers and other education providers
- Educational management – self-governance
- Funding
- International cooperation
Particular feature of the law
Regarding the accessibility and quality of education, the following topics are included and elaborated in the law:
- The right and duty of Lithuanian residents to learn
- Lithuanian studies and the opportunity to learn the Lithuanian language
- Provision of information about education and choice of educational programmes
- Network of education providers
- Admission to schools and changing schools
- The right to receive instructions in the Lithuanian language
- The right to study religion
- Accessibility of education for working and socially marginalized people, learners with special educational needs and people with limited mobility
- Transportation, residence, meals
- Quality of education
- Evaluation and legitimation of learning achievements
- Learning materials and learning workload
Relevant documents that the law refers to:
Government of the Republic of Lithuania. 2010. Resolution Approving the Description of the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework
Stakeholders responsible for implementation of the law:
Further readings and web links:
- Law on Higher Education and Research
- Provisions of the National Education Strategy 2003-2012
- General Concept of Education in Lithuania 1992
Issuing Body
Republic of Lithuania
