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Kazakhstan's Senate has approved a new law that redefines the scope of responsibility for educators, particularly concerning incidents involving students. This legislative change aims to clarify when teachers and school administrators can be held accountable for events that occur outside of their direct professional duties.

Teacher Liability Limited to Working Hours

Under the amendments to the Law on the Status of Teachers, educators and school principals will now only be liable for incidents involving students during the time they are actively performing their official duties and engaged in educational activities. The law explicitly states that accountability is confined to the period during which pedagogical work is being conducted.

New Regulations for Student Smartphone Use

The new legislation also empowers the authorized body in the education sector to develop and approve unified rules regarding student mobile phone usage. However, a complete ban on smartphones in schools is not currently planned. Previously, Vice Minister of Education Zhanat Sharaбасов noted that a total prohibition could negatively impact the learning process, as many educators utilize mobile devices for educational purposes. The upcoming regulations will also incorporate training on digital literacy and digital hygiene for students.

Support for At-Risk Children

The law further introduces provisions for supporting children identified as being at risk. School and college pedagogical psychologists and social educators will be tasked with working with minors in this category.

Administrative Accountability for Educators

In addition to the above, senators have passed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses concerning the status of teachers. These amendments introduce a warning as a form of accountability for educators who are required to submit reporting and information not stipulated by law, who engage in duplicate paperwork (both paper and electronic), or who are involved in activities of non-state organizations during their tenure as public school teachers.

The adopted laws have been sent to the President of Kazakhstan for signature.

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