The promise of a new educational paradigm
Since its emergence in the Catalan educational landscape, Escola Nova 21 has generated an intense debate on the validity of competency -based education. At the end of 2017, this model was presented as an innovative solution to improve academic results, moving away from traditional memorization methods.
The contradictions of evaluation
Meritxell Ruiz, who was the Minister of Education, said that this new approach would help reduce school failure. However, Pisa’s data contradicted these claims, generating confusion about the system’s effectiveness. The AVAC, the evaluation report of the schools, became a tool that pressured teachers to adjust their expectations, fostering a culture of approved to prevent their merits from being affected.
The paradox of progress
The increase in the rates of approved in high school in Catalonia contrasted with the disappointing results of PISA, which led to questioning whether the competency model really worked. Lomloe, the new educational law, was inspired by this model, leaving in the air if it really wanted to improve education or simply apply a surface change.
Critics and reactions
Eduard Vallory, Fervent Defender of Escola Nova 21, has received criticism of his position in the face of the results of PISA. In a tweet, he delegitimized the voices that questioned the effectiveness of his model, while he himself seemed to ignore the evidence of school failure. This behavior has fueled the debate on the validity of a system that, according to many, has not shown substantial improvements.
THE Platform Change Baccalaureate: A controversial propose
At the beginning of 2021, the Cambiemos El Bachillerato platform was noticeable with its proposal to delete exams and selectivity for high school students. This initiative, which resonated with the ideas of Escola Nova 21, sought to reduce the stress of students, but raised doubts about their real effectiveness in terms of knowledge and preparation.
Confusion about competencies
The concept of competition should not imply a decrease in curricular contents, but rather a deeper integration of knowledge. However, current trends seem to suggest a baccalaureate infantilization, with a decrease in the requirement that student training could compromise.
The study verdict
A study by the Higher Council for Evaluation of the Educational System revealed that the results of the students of Escola Nova 21 were not significantly different from the traditional centers. This emphasized that innovation promises had not led to tangible improvements, showing that the competency model had not achieved the expected impact.
A reflection on the future of education
With PISA data, indicating a stagnation in the level of public education, the question of the direction to be taken by the education system is asked. It is time to reconsider current strategies and seek a balance between innovation and traditional foundations that have shown their effectiveness over time. Memory and knowledge are essential for the formation of future competent citizens.
