Developments on teacher evaluation are expected this week, with Wednesday emerging as a day of particular interest.
Secondary teachers will stage a work stoppage, and a delegation from OELMEK will protest outside parliament as the education committee begins examining the education ministry’s bill to overhaul the teacher and educational work evaluation system, which has been in place for 50 years.
Efforts to achieve dialogue between the ministry and teachers’ unions during the summer and later following an appeal from the parliamentary education committee failed to produce the desired convergence, despite the ministry making further amendments.
The changes again failed to satisfy the unions, with both POED and OELMEK rejecting the bill before parliament.
POED has decided to take measures if it deems necessary, whilst OELMEK has already announced its actions.
These include a work stoppage from 7:30am to 11:00am on Wednesday, 19 November, when the first article-by-article discussion of the draft regulations is scheduled in the parliamentary education committee.
At 9:00am the same day, OELMEK will hold a protest outside the House of Representatives.
Regarding POED, reports indicate there are voices of protest over the primary teachers’ union’s final decision to reject the ministry’s final bill. The decision was taken by a majority comprising the PADED Protoporia and Progressive movements.
POED stated about the bill that a clear and complete plan is absent regarding the human resources that will support implementation of the new scheme. Without the necessary support, the scheme becomes practically unworkable, POED said.
POED also stressed the need for the ministry to formally present its plan, with specific measures and timelines, for how the new evaluation scheme will be supported from the start of implementation.
The union demands that before the bill advances to parliament, it must be fully agreed with POED to ensure it represents a product of consultation rather than unilateral decision, and that support measures be provided simultaneously with implementation of the evaluation scheme, including administrative time for directors and deputy directors, support for ordinary teachers, and new establishment posts.
The focus now shifts to parliament. The issue, following the legislature’s standard procedures, will see numerous amendments, as MPs and parties have already expressed their intention to table them.
Both Wednesday and the following week (26 November) will be particularly important for the issue’s progress, as the education committee will discuss and finalise its report on the matter for submission to the parliamentary plenary.
Regarding when teacher evaluation is expected to reach the plenary for voting, reports point to the 2 December session.
That will conclude the saga that has occupied the education sector for many years, either through passage and adoption of the proposal for a new teacher evaluation system, or through rejection.
