It's time to talk seriously about school. There is a lot of work to be done. In fact, the important task begins now. If, indeed, as the teachers who demonstrated said on Friday, the protests "were not about money", it is time to delve deeply into the problems of the system. Today in the newspaper we give voice to the experts. They all advocate for bold changes. For a new educational pact. To restore hope to school. And it is clear that money doesn't fix everything.
However, it cannot be overlooked that the Government has put a lot of money on the table for teachers and education, increases that will lead to a notable salary improvement and the hiring of more professionals. It will be necessary to see how the probable and legitimate claims of other public sector groups – starting with healthcare – will be addressed from now on, and it will be necessary to analyze the remuneration levels in each sector, and what differences there are between those who work in administration and those who do so in the private sector. It is not a minor issue. Money is always scarce, and when you pull the blanket from one side, someone gets cold. The improvement of the Generalitat's financing, which is essential, if it finally arrives, can help, of course. But attention!, budgets will always fall short.
In any case, as far as education is concerned, labor conflict must finally be considered over. There is no more room for negotiation focused on union competition. Salaries in education will now be at the high end nationally and well above the average salary in Catalonia, and the fact that few professionals in other sectors have so many vacation days cannot be overlooked.
It is time, then, to address what concerns, or should truly concern, everyone – families, students, teachers and professors, Government, experts, unions –: the quality of education. On this issue there is a sad general consensus: the level has declined, the atmosphere has become strained, trust is at an all-time low. Social complexity has been transferred to classrooms and has overwhelmed professionals and the system. A general reconsideration, without fear, is imperative and must be a priority. With self-criticism from all sides; from the administration, yes, but also from education professionals and families. Until now, we have been full of criticism and very lacking in self-criticism. Without the sincere and reflective involvement of each other, a change of course will not be viable.
What problems need to be addressed? Well, from the evident increase in diversity in the classroom – we must frankly ask ourselves if inclusive schooling has reached its limit – to the clash between equity and excellence, through the necessary school autonomy – it is worrying that agreements have weakened the role of principals in choosing professionals with specific profiles – and in the training of professionals. Regarding resources, the "one-size-fits-all approach certainly doesn't work: it's not the same, for example, a center of high complexity as a rural school. The mess of methods – there is a lot of disorientation – and the often false dichotomy between tradition and innovation must also be addressed, and in parallel, the role that digital tools and artificial intelligence should play. And, still, the role of families and the opening of the school to its environment. And we could go on.
All this can only be done through dialogue, without the threat of strikes. The objective: to achieve an educational pact that provides stability and hope, and that raises the general level.
