Minister hopes for wide consultation on Education Act

Education minister Evarist Bartolo today launched a consultation process over the new comprehensive education act, expressing his hope that the process will draw wide participation from all stakeholders. 

Bartolo explained that the changes in the act depended on the success of the two-month consultation process. 

"I must admit that we were disappointed by the lack of reaction to the white paper on childcare with the bulk of the feedback received focusing on the administrative aspect, rather than the educational aspect." 

"Hopefully, we will have greater participation in the consultation over the education act." 

The main aim of the process, Bartolo said, was that of "underlining the shortcomings in our educational system." 

He also said that a number of education institutions such as The University of Malta and Mcast had expressed their desire to have separate acts regulating the institutions separately. 

Asked whether he favoured such moves, Bartolo said "It's not a bad idea," adding that the education act currently covers all levels of schooling. He said that university had already forwarded a detailed proposal which was being reviewed.

"The system comprises students performing at different levels, including a number of students who exit the system without the necessary skills. We have one of the highest levels of early school leavers in the EU and we must address it by starting at the primary level," he said.

Moreover, Bartolo underlined excessive bureaucracy as one of the shortcomings which were pinpointed in a recent study conducted by the Malta Union of Teachers. 

"Relations between the ministry and schools must improve and the distance between the two must be shortened to ensure further democratisation," Bartolo said, adding that MUT will be consulted on this and other shortcomings identified in its study. 

The new act is also expected to address the rights and obligations of parents and the participation of students. Bartolo said that one of the ideas being floated is the introduction of compulsory student councils in all schools.  

The minister also stressed the importance of linking education to employability "without ignoring other aspects such as encouraging students to be critical and become active citizens."

While calling for the participation of all stakeholders, including unions and church and independent schools, Bartolo hinted that the education directorate which provides the education services could have its regulatory role transferred to the national commission for education.