Stakeholder Perspectives: CLIL Programme Management in Estonia

In 2000, Estonia launched a voluntary Estonian language CLIL programme for seven year-olds in four Russian-medium schools. The programme has expanded rapidly to a total of 48 kindergartens and schools. This paper reports on research into stakeholder perspectives on programme management. In addition to surveying parents, teachers, vice-principals and principals, the study included lesson observations and a review of school strategic plans. In general, parents of CLIL students are highly supportive of the programme. Key programme success factors include centrally developed in-service training and student learning materials, and the management of the programme by a central agency. Cooperation among a wide range of stakeholders is a major factor contributing to CLIL programme success in Estonia, however, work remains to be done in improving communications among several stakeholders groups, including with parents.