The Institute of Education’s board members should include a representative from the Opposition, according to amendments being proposed to a legal notice that set up the institute.

This representative should be nominated by the leader of the Opposition to ensure that the Opposition is represented on this important board, the Opposition spokesman for higher and compulsory education, George Pullicino, said yesterday.

The amendments are being proposed by the Opposition to the legal notice setting up the Institute for Education, an autonomous entity that will carry out functions related to continuous professional development and training of educators.

According to the legal notice, the board should be composed of 13 to 15 members that will include, among others, a representative of the association of teachers, the University of Malta, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and a member representing both Church and private schools.

The Opposition is proposing that there be a representative from private schools and another one from Church schools to ensure better representation.

Finance shadow minister Mario de Marco said the amendments aimed to reach the objective of pluralism in education and reflect the reality on the ground.

Having a representative from the Opposition would help bring about a much-needed change in the current mentality, where only the party in government was represented on such boards, he said.