Portuguese Education Minister Addresses Citizenship Curriculum
The Minister of Education, Fernando Alexandre, has confirmed that the Citizenship and Development curriculum, which the government aims to free from ideological projects, will remain in place but will undergo necessary changes. This decision comes amid concerns raised by some families regarding certain topics that are not universally accepted, particularly in the early years of schooling.
"What the Prime Minister announced yesterday aligns with prior statements. The government is currently reviewing essential learnings, including the Citizenship subject. While we do not foresee its removal unless the evaluation surprises us, there are contentious topics that need attention, especially regarding sexual education."
During the closing remarks of the PSD congress, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro highlighted the revision of this curriculum as a top priority to enhance the cultivation of constitutional values, aiming to liberate it from ideological constraints. The announcement received a positive reception from the audience.
In response, Filinto Lima, president of the National Association of Public School Directors (Andaep), expressed that there are no significant issues with the current curriculum, labeling the Citizenship subject as a political issue rather than an educational one.
Focus on Educational Impact
Minister Alexandre acknowledged that while the topic may not be the most critical in the educational system, it has generated considerable noise, leading to discomfort among some families. He emphasized the importance of carefully analyzing all content presented to young students as it is crucial to their development.
"There are examples of taught subjects that have raised questions among parents, but I cannot specify them. We must be attentive to the evaluation outcomes."
The Citizenship and Development curriculum was introduced in the 2018/2019 school year as part of the National Strategy for Citizenship Education (ENEC), which aims to instill a comprehensive understanding of rights and responsibilities among Portuguese children and youth.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum encompasses three main thematic groups:
- Human Rights: Covers civil and political rights, economic, social, cultural rights, and solidarity.
- Social Issues: Includes sexuality, media literacy, democratic participation, financial literacy, and road safety.
- Life Skills: Focuses on entrepreneurship, workplace knowledge, security, animal welfare, and volunteering.
The minister indicated that the evaluation of school curricula is being conducted by a team of experts, with results expected by April or May of next year. It remains to be seen whether these changes will be implemented in the upcoming academic year.
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