Philenews

Two Major Bets for Education in 2026 – How Athena Michaelidou Will Proceed

Published January 2, 2026, 05:07
Two Major Bets for Education in 2026 – How Athena Michaelidou Will Proceed

The Ministry of Education has identified two key challenges for 2026: modernizing legislation for Special Education and addressing the issue of the list of eligible candidates for appointment, which will be abolished in 2027. The Minister of Education, Athena Michaelidou, stated that the Government is tackling these issues responsibly and decisively, integrating them into a cohesive plan to improve the school system and support teachers. Regarding Special Education, it is proposed that all children be enrolled in mainstream classes, with the possibility of reassessment by the Provincial Special Education and Guidance Committee (PSEGC) within a reasonable timeframe. It is also proposed that the needs of children with disabilities or/and special educational needs be reassessed every three years instead of two, aiming to avoid unnecessary psychological burden and better collect data. At the same time, efforts will be made to improve the functioning of the PSEGC by establishing a schedule for submitting referrals, ensuring timely decisions for the implementation of support measures. In addition, the possibility of providing specialized support to teachers working in Special Education will be explored. Regarding the list of eligible candidates, the Ministry of Education is expected to submit proposals for its final abolition in 2027, aiming to simplify the teacher appointment process and enhance transparency. The discussion is expected to be intense, as various stakeholders with different views and priorities are involved.