New Draft Law Aims to Transform Education in Spain by Reducing Class Sizes and Teacher Work Hours

The Spanish Council of Ministers recently approved a groundbreaking draft law aimed at enhancing the quality of the education system. Key objectives of the legislation are to reduce the student-to-class ratio and decrease the teaching hours for educators. During a press conference following the meeting, Education Minister Milagros Tolón emphasized that the regulation is designed to improve teachers' working conditions and address the budget cuts implemented during Rajoy's government amid the economic crisis. 'If we improve the conditions of our teachers, we improve the education of our country,' stated Tolón. The draft law mandates a nationwide reduction of the maximum number of students in primary classes from 25 to 22, and in secondary classes from 30 to 25. These new maximum ratios will be phased in gradually. Additionally, for students with special needs, that individual will count as two students towards the class size limit. Another significant aspect of the draft law is the reduction of teaching hours. For educators in Early Childhood, Primary, and Special Education, the limit will be set at 23 hours per week, while teachers in secondary education and baccalaureate will be limited to 18 hours weekly. This new schedule is expected to take effect from the next academic year, providing teachers with more time to prepare lessons and conduct their work in a more dignified manner. Tolón noted, 'This allows teachers to have more time to prepare their classes and develop their work in a more dignified manner.' All these measures are set to be implemented gradually, with the aim of being fully operational by the 2031-2032 academic year, pending approval from the Congress of Deputies. Tolón expressed her confidence that the General Courts will rise to the occasion, asserting, 'Our teachers are the backbone that supports the present and future of the country.' In terms of preschool education, the Ministry has committed to revising the current student ratios for children aged 0 to 3, with a deadline for changes set by summer. However, it is important to note that modifying these ratios falls to the autonomous communities within Spain. Presently, regulations stipulate a maximum of 8 children in classrooms for children under one year of age, 10 to 14 for ages one to two years, and 16 to 20 for ages two to three years per unit. Yet, many educators in this non-mandatory schooling phase report overcrowded classrooms, with some having as many as 14 students aged one to two years or up to 20 students aged two to three years assigned to a single professional. This proposed draft law represents a significant step towards revitalizing Spain's education system, aiming not only to enhance educational quality but also to prioritize the welfare of teachers and students alike. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2