Ministry of National Education (MEN) plans to introduce provisions enabling shorter lessons and transition to distant learning in case of utmost heat. These changes aim to bring the education strategy into line with the expanding climate risks and to guarantee that students have a safe learning environment.
New competences for school heads
According to MEN's proposals, school principals will be able to shortening the duration of lessons from 45 to 25 minutes in situations where the temperature exceeds a specified level. In addition, they will be able to change the agenda of classes, moving them to early morning hours to avoid the hottest seasons of the day. In utmost cases erstwhile heat becomes besides dangerous, directors will be entitled to suspension of fixed activities and introduction remote science.
Why is that necessary?
High temperatures pose a serious hazard to the wellness of children and adolescents. Being in overheated classrooms may lead to heat strokes, syncope, dehydration and a crucial decrease in concentration capacity. Studies indicate that at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, the efficiency of discipline is drastically decreasing, which negatively affects the educational process.
Climate forecast for 2025
According to the latest forecasts of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW), The summertime of 2025 can bring evidence heat, with temperatures not falling below 20 degrees Celsius even at night. specified conditions may happen as early as June and in September erstwhile the school year begins.
Consultation and implementation of the fresh legislation
Currently, MEN consults with school heads, local governments and parents to elaborate details of the fresh regulations. It is planned that these provisions enter into force before the vacation of 2025, which will let for their full application in the upcoming school year.
Controversy and Challenges
Despite affirmative intentions, the planned changes rise any controversy. any experts point out no precise guidance concerning the temperature at which decisions are to be taken to shorten lessons or control to distant learning. Moreover, there are concerns about differences in school infrastructurewhich may lead to inequality in access to safe learning conditions.
Investments in school infrastructure
In consequence to these challenges, MEN plans financial support for schools from areas peculiarly susceptible to heat waves. This appropriation is intended to cover: infrastructure modernisation, including the installation of modern air conditioning and ventilation systems to guarantee adequate learning conditions even at utmost temperatures.
Education in coping with heat
In addition to organizational changes, it is planned Polish educational campaignto make pupils and teachers aware of the risks associated with advanced temperatures and how to avoid them. Schools will be required to regularly inform pupils about safety during heat and to guarantee access to drinking water.
The changes planned by the MEN in the organisation of discipline during heat represent a step towards adapting the education strategy to changing climate conditions. However, their effectiveness will depend on precise wording, adequate financial support for schools and effective education in coping with utmost temperatures.
Read more:
New regulations: Shortened lessons and distant learning during heats – is this a real revolution in Polish schools?
