Colombia's public education sector is undergoing significant changes as the Ministry of Education implements modifications to school schedules and teacher workloads. A new decree, signed by President Gustavo Petro, is aiming to adjust the educational landscape to better serve students and educators alike. Let's delve into the specifics of what these changes entail and how they are expected to impact the educational community.

Changes to the School Day

One of the most notable aspects of the decree is the alteration of the school day structure. According to Pulzo (2024), the decree modifies Decreto 1075 de 2015, adjusting school schedules, teacher academic assignments, and work hours in educational institutions. Rectors and directors of educational institutions will now define the school day at the beginning of each academic year, ensuring it aligns with the Institutional Educational Project (PEI) and the curriculum.

Minimum Weekly Hours

While the 40-week academic year remains, the minimum weekly hours are being adjusted as follows:

  • Preschool: 20 hours
  • Primary Education: 25 hours
  • Secondary and Academic Media Education: 30 hours
  • Technical Media Education: 37 hours

These adjustments are designed to provide a more structured and focused learning environment for students at different educational levels.

Breaks and Student Well-being

The decree also emphasizes student well-being by incorporating mandatory breaks into the school day. Students are now entitled to a 5-minute break after every 60 minutes of academic activity. These breaks are considered a curricular activity, aimed at promoting the comprehensive development of students. Educational institutions are responsible for ensuring student well-being during these breaks and must assign a teacher to supervise. According to Redacción Nación (Pulzo, 2024), «The student pedagogical break is considered a curricular activity of the daily school day that the educational establishment dedicates to promoting the well-being and comprehensive training of its students.»

Teacher Workload and Responsibilities

The decree also addresses the workload and responsibilities of teachers in public schools. Teachers are required to work an eight-hour day, with six of those hours spent continuously within the institution. These six hours are dedicated to academic assignments and complementary curricular activities such as planning, evaluation, meetings, and guidance. Pulzo (2024) notes that the remaining two hours can be used for other job-related functions, either inside or outside the educational establishment, based on institutional planning.

Implications for Teachers

This new structure is intended to provide teachers with a more balanced and manageable workload, allowing them to dedicate sufficient time to both teaching and administrative tasks. The changes also aim to ensure that teachers are available to support students and participate in school activities.

Collaboration and Future Expectations

These changes stem from an agreement between the Ministry of Education and Fecode (Colombian Federation of Educators), which involved collaborative work to identify necessary modifications to Decreto 1850 de 2002, compiled in Decreto 1075 de 2015. This collaboration reflects a commitment to improving the educational system through dialogue and consensus. According to the Ministerio de Educación (2024), «In compliance with the agreement between the Ministry of National Education and Fecode, working tables have been developed in which it was possible to determine the modifications that are required in relation to some of the provisions contained in Decree 1850 of 2002, compiled in Decree 1075 of 2015 – Single Regulatory Sector Education».

While the intention behind these changes is to adjust the academic and work burdens of teachers, parents are hopeful that students will continue to receive adequate support within the institution. This decision comes after several weeks of reported altercations near public schools. The new regulations will take effect upon publication and apply to all state educational establishments in the country.

Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Support

The changes come at a time when concerns about student safety and well-being are at the forefront. By increasing supervision and providing dedicated break times, the Ministry of Education hopes to create a safer and more supportive learning environment. The adjustments to teacher workloads are also expected to improve the quality of education by allowing teachers to focus more effectively on their students' needs.

Looking Ahead

As these changes are implemented, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on students, teachers, and the overall educational system. Continuous evaluation and feedback will be essential to ensure that the new regulations are achieving their intended goals and to make any necessary adjustments along the way.

The educational community in Colombia is now in a period of transition. With the implementation of these new regulations, the focus is on creating a more balanced, supportive, and effective educational environment for all stakeholders.

References