Legal system - Latvia

Every citizen of the Republic of Latvia and every person who has the right to a non-citizen passport issued by the Republic of Latvia, every person who has received a permanent residence permit, as well as citizens of European Union member states who have been issued a temporary residence permit, and their children, have equal right to acquire education, regardless of their property or social status, race, nationality, gender, religious or political convictions, state of health, disability, occupation or place of residence.

The Law on Education adopted in 1998 defines the main organizational principles and procedures of educational services and the Law on General Education adopted in 1999 defines the organizational principles and procedures of general education services.

The Law on Education identifies special education as general and professional education adapted for persons with special needs and health problems, or with special needs or health problems.

The Law on General Education defines the types of education implemented in Latvia. It states that special education is a part of general education. Chapter 8 of this Law defines the implementation of educational programmes of special education. The provision of educational services for children with special needs and the procedures of identification of special needs are defined in the Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The aims and the goals of general education are described in the Standards of General Education which are adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Main principles and procedures of assessment of students including those with special needs are also adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers.

For more information about legal system of education in Latvia visit: www.izm.gov.lv