Catalan Language Scores Hit Lowest Since 2013 in Latest School Skills Test
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Loading... - Chantel Jonkers
- 11 Jul 2024
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Decline in Catalan and English Scores
The latest basic skills tests for 4th-year high school students (aged 15-16) in Catalonia reveal a concerning trend: scores in Catalan have continued to decline, registering the lowest results since 2013. English language scores have also shown a decline compared to the previous year. This downturn contrasts with improvements in other subjects, such as Spanish, math, science, and technology.
Primary School Trends
The same trend is evident among 6th-grade primary school students (aged 12). Their results also show a decline in Catalan and English, while scores in Spanish, math, and natural sciences have improved.
Department of Education's Response
Despite the worrying figures for Catalan and English, the Education Department has highlighted an overall improvement in scores, building on progress noted in the previous year. They emphasized that the decline in Catalan and English does not overshadow the general positive trend in other subjects.
PISA Test Controversy
The issue of declining language scores is part of a broader debate about the state of the education system in Catalonia. In December 2023, results from the 2022 PISA tests showed Catalan pupils performing below the average for Spain and other OECD countries in all three assessed areas. This sparked significant controversy and raised questions about the effectiveness of current educational policies and practices.
Moving Forward
The declining language scores have prompted calls for a review of language education policies in Catalonia. Experts suggest that a renewed focus on Catalan and English teaching methodologies could help reverse the trend. Meanwhile, the improvements in other subjects suggest that targeted interventions in specific areas of the curriculum may be yielding positive results.
As the debate continues, stakeholders from various sectors are expected to contribute to discussions on how best to address these educational challenges and enhance overall student performance in Catalonia.
