A worrying scenario: education data in Catalonia
The educational situation in Catalonia is cause for alarm, as shown by the latest PISA test figures. These tests, which are presented as an international benchmark, reveal that the Catalan community has experienced a notable drop in science scores, going from 497 points in 2015 to 477 points currently.
Catalonia in comparison: an obvious setback
With a lower performance than Castilla y León, which leads with 506 points, and Madrid, which stands at 502, Catalonia is below the Spanish average of 485 points. These data not only highlight a local problem, but also indicate a trend that has been deteriorating over time.
Figures in mathematics and reading comprehension
The subjects of mathematics and reading comprehension show an even more bleak picture. In mathematics, Catalonia has dropped 24 points compared to 2012, reaching only 462 points. Reading comprehension has seen a similar drop, with 37 points less than eight years ago. This downward trend is alarming, especially when compared to Madrid’s superior returns.
Factors that influence the educational system
Two factors are often cited as responsible for school failure: economic investment and immigration. While it is true that Catalonia allocates 868 euros per inhabitant to education, Madrid, with a lower investment of 756.6 euros, achieves superior results. This suggests that expenditure is not the only determinant of educational success.
The influence of immigration
While immigration may influence the results, it does not fully explain the differences with Madrid. The gap in PISA scores between Catalonia and Madrid persists, regardless of demographic conditions.
The social perception of the educational system
A recent survey by the Center for Opinion Studies (CEO) reveals a remarkable disconnect between educational reality and social perception. Surprisingly, 82% of respondents approve of Catalonia’s education system. This number is particularly high among voters of progressive parties, who tend to rate public education positively, regardless of the results.
An education system in crisis?
With a trust score of 6.2 out of 10, respondents express remarkable support for teachers. However, this optimism contrasts with the academic results, leaving the true effectiveness of the Catalan education system in question.
Final reflections on the future of education in Catalonia
Education in Catalonia is at a critical moment. The discrepancy between the system’s positive assessment and mediocre academic results raises questions about priorities and the quality of education. Without a significant change in the educational approach and a recognition of the existing problems, the future of education in Catalonia could follow a path of decline.
