Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka underlines the importance of introducing a fresh school subject, namely “health education”. Its aim is to supply students with comprehensive cognition of wellness and liable lifestyle. However, as the “Gazeta Wyborcza” states, the task faces hard obstacles.
According to the Ministry of National Education (MEN), “health education” was to be introduced as a compulsory subject from grade IV of primary schools as early as September this year. This subject is intended to replace the current household education classes, which are optional. However, according to fresh reports, this process may be delayed.
Problems with the preparation of the programme base
Work on the basics of wellness education is inactive ongoing. According to ‘Gazeta Wyborcza’, the working squad has not yet completed its activities after the public consultation. The article notes that "step backwards is, however, being considered", which could mean postponement of the implementation of the fresh subject to the education system.
The MEN draws attention to strong public support for the thought of wellness education. However, the pace of introducing this subject raises doubts among teachers, educational organisations and institutions liable for protecting the rights of the child. As the spokeswoman of the rights of the kid points out: "The pace of introducing the fresh subject is besides fast".
Teachers Unprepared for Change
One of the key problems is the deficiency of adequate training for teachers to conduct wellness education classes. "Our unofficial information shows that MEN is considering transferring the subject to schools besides due to the request to prepare staff. 'Every eventuality is taken into account' – we hear," says “Gazeta Wyborcza”.
Preparation of teachers takes time to make teaching materials, organise training and make appropriate educational resources. This situation affects the decision to postpone the project.
Policies and education decisions
As “Gazeta Wyborcza” emphasises, the ongoing presidential run does not facilitate the implementation of changes in the education system. The decision on wellness education can be handed over to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, indicating the political dimension of the project. "The Ministry's office is committed to ensuring that the subject is well received. But as we hear, the presidential run does not aid this," the article says.
What's next on wellness education?
MEN is faced with a hard choice: to implement the task according to the first plans or postpone its implementation to guarantee better preparation of schools and teachers. Final decisions will have a key impact on the form of future education in Poland.
Social support for wellness education, although large, does not destruct the organisational and political problems faced by this project. Will ‘step back’ prove inevitable? The answer will gotta wait.
More here:
"Health education" but optional? There is simply a real step back scenario
