The aFFaC criticize the reduction of ratios without increasing the class groups
The Department of Education, led by the minister Anna Simó, has received the rejection of the Federated Associations of Families of Students of Catalonia (aFFaC) for its measure to lower the ratios in the classrooms for the next year, without creating more class groups This was one of the main demands of the sector, but they consider it to be a “cheat” because the concerted centers – which, despite not being publicly owned, also receive subsidies from the administration – do not have to comply with the reduction of ratios, the which will mean that many students will have to opt for this schooling option.
Families complain that the department’s approach is “misleading”
In addition to the concerted ones, the families also question the department’s approach, since, although the initial offer of pre-registration comes out with a ratio of twenty students or less per classroom, at the time of registration the students it is distributed in the public school network, but in “fewer classrooms”. What has filled the patience of family associations is that the councilor affirmed this past Monday that 90.7% of the public I3 groups will leave with a ratio of 20 or less and thus the entire kindergarten cycle will be completed with this offer initial lowering of ratios. However, it should be borne in mind that, due to the demographic decline in Catalonia, there will be 1,800 fewer students starting school next year. For these reasons, family associations regret that Education continues to not trust and bet on its own education system.
Reduce funding to concerted parties
Taking advantage of the announcement of the reduction in ratios, the families have also demanded from the ministry to decrease the funding that charter schools receive from the administration, as they believe it is “disproportionate” compared to the contributions of the public : “Inequality is abysmal”, denounces the aFFaC.
