Parliament delays vote on teacher evaluation criteria

The Parliament of Cyprus has postponed the vote on teacher evaluation criteria for the second time. The legislative body now intends to conclude the discussion and hold the vote by next Monday. This delay follows pressure from certain educator groups who argue that the focus should instead be on providing more support to school units. Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou has formally rejected these claims, stating that the criteria were developed scientifically and agreed upon with the majority of teachers' unions. The Ministry of Education submitted the proposals to Parliament before the end of February to meet a March deadline. Minister Michaelidou expressed concern that the delay hinders the implementation of the already passed legislation regarding the new evaluation system. The Ministry maintains that it is proceeding with the necessary steps despite the legislative stalling.