On the LOE (and the National Education Agreement)

Everything seemed to indicate that we were headed towards further aggravation of the flaws already evident in current educational legislation and practice, which in the past we already defined as an essentially negative pedagogical ideology. Moreover, the new Law and, especially the Catalan “School Agreement”, seemed bent on a full-scale attack on the concertada school (schools sponsored by a public voucher system), despite the guarantees provided by the Spanish constitution. This is at odds with the idea of granting parents greater freedom of choice, a prevalent trend in Europe, such as in Sweden and the United Kingdom, the most reformist countries.

Things seem to have turned out better than was feared. The original bill contained all the shortcomings and clichés that have plagued our system of education for more than 30 years: a low standard of excellence, a diminished role of headmasters and teachers, little evaluation of knowledge, the possibility of passing the course while having failed 3-4 important subjects, the students’ right to strike, etc. Furthermore, it was overtly hostile towards the concertada schools.

Many of these aspects have been entirely or partially amended. Although the Law that was finally passed is not the most appropriate one in terms of educational efficiency, and still maintains some pressure on the concertada school system, by and large it is better than what we feared it would be. And it has mitigated social confrontation.

Now we have to see that the Law is enforced correctly. Because there are certain sectors who are doing everything possible to perpetuate an educational ideology that has had its day, that of 30 years ago, and which all Europe has overcome. They are also doing everything to gradually corner and stifle concertada schools. Disregarding reality and the right to a choice of education, which is enshrined in the Constitution.

On the other hand, having to take into account the reality and the efficiency of education, as well as people’s right to a choice, explains why a National Education Agreement was signed that has little to do with what the Tripartite government and certain trade unions were demanding. It’s a good sign that common sense and objectivity have prevailed. That some, and not few, have renounced what they had always held. Things are not viewed in the same light from the government as from the opposition – an opposition that has often been irresponsible and demagogic. Now they have realised that if the concertada schools disappeared or were reduced in number, the entire system of education would fall into chaos. And if authoritarian and extremely rigid schooling is bad, so is the highly permissive variety, the so-called “sweet school”, which for decades has failed to address the issue of will-power, the importance of rules and knowledge, and vulnerability of teachers and directors.