“Education is and will continue to be a priority under any circumstances.” Minister of Education Naima Trujillo Barreto reminded viewers this Thursday on the Mesa Redonda program. Quoting the words of the Cuban president. She added, “Certainly, the complexity of the circumstances is entirely connected to the extraordinary effort that has also been necessary.” To guarantee the continuity of the school year.
It was precisely this principle that has guided the Cuban education system. During the first month of implementing measures to confront the energy crisis and fuel shortages. Resulting from the intensification of the United States’ economic aggression.
With the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz, and the Ministers of Education, Naima Trujillo Barreto. And Higher Education, Walter Baluja García, the television program offered a glimpse into the challenges faced. With the creative solutions that emerged “in the streets, in the neighborhoods, and in schools.” Also before announcing the adjustments that will govern the remainder of the school year.
Regarding the guiding principles for addressing the current emergency. Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz emphasized the foundations that have underpinned the decisions.
“It hasn’t occurred to anyone to say, ‘Let’s suspend classes,’ he clarified. The school year continues and will end in July. The guiding principles have been: minimizing the impact on quality. Maintaining the teacher-student connection, and sustaining ongoing dialogue with families and student organizations (FEEM and FEU).
Priority for final grades and increased in-person instruction
When detailing by educational level, Trujillo Barreto explained that Early Childhood Education and Special Education have maintained the highest priority. In primary education, double sessions predominate. Although special attention has been given to the more than 17,000 children and adolescents (less than 1% of enrollment). Also who, for various reasons, study under different conditions than their original group.
“To advocate for greater in-person attendance in the case of 12th grade” is the objective, the minister announced. To this end, the evaluation calendar has been made more flexible. Granting an additional 15 days starting next Monday for districts to organize final exams. Allowing for better preparation for university entrance exams.
This same logic of prioritized support will apply to 9th-grade students. Also who are taking exams for admission to Technical-Professional Education or pre-university programs, and to 6th-grade students.
In the case of Technical-Professional Education and Teacher Training Colleges. The minister highlighted that students in their final years had already completed their practical training. So the remainder of the course will be dedicated to strengthening ties with employers. Thus consolidating their professional skills.
Higher Education
For his part, the Minister of Higher Education, Walter Baluja García, explained that the course is being reorganized. With a blended learning model and greater community engagement.
He noted that the country’s university system has had to adapt on several occasions, as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. And now faces a new scenario marked by energy restrictions.
But he clarified that blended learning is not limited to the use of digital platforms, but also involves regular in-person meetings between students and professors, aimed at:
- clarifying doubts,
- coordinating the learning process,
- defining assessments,
- and monitoring academic progress.
This model adapts to the characteristics of each region and program. Taking into account that not all universities have the same resources.
It was also confirmed that the university admissions process will remain in its traditional format. Without modifications to its general structure.
The entrance exams will be held on June 5th, 9th, and 12th. With the aim of providing twelfth-grade students with more preparation time.
With information from Cubadebate
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