LEGAL SYSTEM

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

The Law of Education identifies special education as adapted general or vocational education for persons with special educational needs and different types of disabilities.

The Law of General Education defines the types of education realized in Latvia. It states that special needs education is part of general education. Chapter 8 of this Law defines the implementation of curricula of SNE, the provision of educational services for children with special needs and the procedures of identification of special needs.
The aims and the goals of general educations are described in the Standards of General Education which are adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Main principles and procedures of assessment of pupils 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