Development Programs for Schools

Since 2022, HAKA, together with its partner universities – Tallinn University and the University of Tartu – has been running development programs designed for schools that require support in setting learner-centered goals, implementing activities, and assessing their impact.

The development programs are intended to provide schools with long-term, comprehensive, evidence-based, and learner-centered support for development, grounded in collaborative organizational culture.

Programs last up to three years and enable schools to:

  • Define performance indicators in collaboration with the university team and a mentor, which are regularly monitored throughout the program;
  • Analyse and evaluate activities, program progress, and the alignment of results with established goals;
  • Receive regular support from a mentor (a leader or educational manager from another institution with experience in educational leadership). The mentor’s profile is selected according to the school’s needs.

Note: Schools cannot apply for development programs independently; participation is by invitation only.

Requirements for Schools

The institution itself plays a central role in shaping the outcomes of the development program. Schools are expected to:

  • Actively and continuously participate throughout the program;
  • Collaborate openly with the university and mentor;
  • Demonstrate honest self-reflection to address root causes and plan and implement appropriate activities;
  • Maintain an analytical approach;
  • Commit time and motivation to the program.

Eligibility

Schools are invited to participate in the development program if:

  • The need for development support is confirmed through the results of the quality assessment
  • Nationally collected data indicate a need for development support.

Specific participation criteria are agreed upon by the Ministry of Education and Research, HAKA, and the partner universities.

During the 2022–2029 period, free participation is offered to up to 50 general education schools.

Schools participating in the Development Programs are marked with orange (as of December 2025).