According to undersecretary László Palkovics, the 9th grade would serve as a prelude to compulsory elementary school, but professional considerations are still being made to determine just how to introduce the additional grade.

Based on preliminary reports, it would be something similar to what is commonly referred to as kindergarten in the United States.

Palkovics reportedly said that there is a variety of ways to introduce the 9th grade, but the move would likely require increased spending in education, more teachers, and further training opportunities for teachers.

The government hopes to introduce the extra grade into elementary schools by the 2019 school year.

Based on statements made last week by Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog at a conference in Székesfehérvár, the government has no clear idea of how to approach the introduction of an additional grade.

Balog reportedly said that a serious public debate would take place before any decision was made, however the plan seems to be garnering more and more support among educators.

Source: The Budapest Beacon

Republished with permission