Absenteeism, violence, or frequency of participation are expected to be the grading criteria for this new subject. And while this grade could lower the averages of underperforming students, it would also help those struggling academically to improve and succeed through good behavior. Two days after the start of the school year, an investigation into the reactions of the administration, teaching staff, and students of a Nice college.
The first surprise: the main parties involved do not seem to be well informed about the new reform. While some middle school students might have caught snippets of reports on television by chance, most are unaware of the existence of this school life grade. More worrying still: the teaching staff are in the same situation. Only the head of the institution is willing to speak by paraphrasing the previous day’s newspaper; he himself is still waiting for instructions from the academic rectorate. “Of course, I’ve heard about it like everyone else, but I would be unable to explain how it works,” he admits. In short, while all the media have already seized the topic, the scenario has still not been conveyed to the key players. “In the hustle and bustle of the start of the school year, it’s normal for teaching teams to have other things on their minds. Within a month, all students will know what this school life grade is,” explains Colette Ronier, the director of the Nice rector’s office, who nevertheless assures that the reform is already being particularly well received by teachers, students, and parents. “This should make middle school students aware of the importance of their behavior in class. Moreover, parents will be able to invest more in their child’s school life by monitoring the progress of this average.”
The exact grading system (scale, coefficient, etc.) remains unclear and raises a question: Won’t this average further disadvantage students who are naturally put off by education? For now, it’s impossible to judge. While awaiting the first results, some teachers are already picketing at Maurice Jaubert College in Nice and tirelessly denouncing the lack of staff and the shameful elimination of numerous teaching positions in France. Although the national education reform apparently represents a genuine step forward, it is hoped that the media will not overlook the challenges faced by our educational institutions.
For more information:
official bulletin of the Ministry of National Education
