Teachers' union concerned about proposed education reforms

Abstract

The Maltese government has announced a radical plan to reform the management of the schools system. In October 2004, the Malta Union of Teachers alleged that it was not properly consulted before these plans were made public, and expressed concern about issues such as a possible deterioration in teachers’ working conditions. Malta’s state school system is highly centralised. The government’s Education Division has the dual role of serving as a regulator of all educational institutions and as an operator of state schools. About two-thirds of pupils attend state schools and the other third attend church schools (aided by government grants) and private schools. At the age of 11, pupils have to sit for national competitive exams that determine which secondary school they will attend. This system has been the target of criticism as the sizable number who do not pass this examination are channelled into schools where, it is claimed, 'demotivation' towards learning tends to be very high. The state of affairs in these types of schools seems to have been a main thrust for a current government plan to regenerate the state education system. The Minister of Education has said that the proposed reforms are part of an effort to ensure the quality of education, reduce bureaucracy, increase schools’ autonomy, and improve students’ transitions from one educational level to another.