Reform needs more teachers, smaller classes - MUT

On Tuesday, the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) warned the government that if it immediately implemented the proposed reform in the system of transition from primary to secondary education, without increasing the number of teachers and related professionals, providing the necessary training and generally improving teachers' working conditions, this would be counter-productive. The end result, said the union, would be "disastrous" on teachers' morale and student results, and the cultural change needed to implement the system would not take root.

The MUT was announcing its "preliminary reactions and recommendations" on the government's proposed reforms after the union's council had discussed the feedback received after consulting all grades of teachers.

The union said it agreed that the practice of streaming and selection in the primary and lower secondary school years should be discontinued. However, it added that although there is broad agreement on the need for a smoother transition that does not cause undue stress on all stakeholders - students, educators and parents - its members had divergent views on the proposals.

The union's council said that to implement the system of mixed ability, differentiated teaching and summative assessment contemplated in the reform:

1. The present size of classes and student-teacher ratio cannot be retained and apart from the necessary pedagogical training, the Education Directorates must plan in advance, with the Union, to ascertain an adequate teacher-student ratio;

2. There is need for more teachers, a revamp of the complementary and peripatetic services and professionals in the student psycho-social support services;

3. The time needed to undertake assessment and related tasks must be adequately catered for in school time-tables as part of teachers' duties; and

4. The vastness and manageability of primary and secondary education syllabi and their adequacy from a developmental perspective, need to be reviewed.

The MUT expressed concern that the general impression of the vast majority of teachers was that the consultation document on the proposed reform was a fait accompli that the Education authorities had already committed themselves to irrespective of the views of teachers and other stakeholders. The union also criticised the consultation document for not being clear and specific enough on some of the proposed changes.

"The Education authorities must undertake long-term logistical planning of the intended reform with union if the intended objectives are to see fruition. Quality education has a price which must be met," the MUT concluded.

The MUT reactions also included members comments on 22 points of the government's consultation document. The union's detailed document may be viewed at the website www.mut.org.mt.