France, Alternative Libertaire AL #252 (n° spécial) -
College Reform: A stab in the water against inequality (fr, it,
pt) [machine translation] (a-infos-en@ainfos.ca)
Since May, there have been countless personalities of the intelligentsia and politicians
involved mediatically to challenge or support the reform "college 2016" launched by Najat
Vallaud-Belkacem. While for two months a majority of unions opposed to general
indifference, he was a few illustrious voice so that the subject is needed ... in a biased
debate. ---- Alain Finkielkraut, Michel Onfray, Regis Debray, Michel Winock, Philippe
Meirieu, Boris Cyrulnik, Antoine Prost and many others, we can not say that there is a
lack of "great men" (but women, whether, despite massive feminization of educational
field) to tell us what to think of this reform. Yet the debate takes caricature turn a
clash between reactionary and elitist educators naive Republicans. Add to that the
ridiculous attacks of a nationalist right (Sarkozy Le Pen) delighted to have found in
Najat Vallaud-Belkacem a new target worthy of Taubira. With such opponents, there is
something to think about before challenging reform.
Coarse manipulation
When Le Pen criticizes the reform of "eradicate the last vestiges of the republican
elitism" or claims that Sarkozy "will destroy what makes the French genius" to "level
instead of pulling up" , it could deduce that there is an egalitarian effort, as claimed
by the minister. Yet actually used to distinguish a school elite options (bilangues
classes, ancient languages) do not disappear: they will simply less available, which will
strengthen their elitist. If the minister really wanted equality, it would generalize the
ancient languages and second language for all students in the sixth.
What about false rumors usually used by the extreme right? The history curriculum would
make mandatory the teaching of Islam but optional that of Christianity? A simple glance at
the draft programs sufficient to show that the two are required!
A beautiful continuity
The first day strike May 19 was followed by 50% in colleges. This is a large majority of
teachers have not been fooled by government manipulation. It is also a reality that reform
certain aspects already put forward by Sarkozy, including in the Darcos report written in
2006 by one who in 2007 became minister of education: school autonomy, strengthening
hierarchies ... Not surprisingly, only two unions (CFDT and Unsa) support this reform,
precisely to this autonomy.
Some choices of lessons and 20% of the overall schedule should be decided according to the
priorities of the institution: what better way to distinguish suburban college (which will
favor the preparation pro high school) the uptown college (which will aim prep classes)?
And to implement all this, colleges foisonneront small heads: coordinators cycles, cycles
advice, referrals for each cross-cutting theme ...
But the strike was not extended in June. It's mostly a sign of a lack of confidence in the
collective strength and an ambient resignation to the obstinacy of a government hardliner.
It remains one summer to change this climate and resume the fight after the summer.
Renaud (AL Alsace)
http://www.alternativelibertaire.org/?Reforme-du-college-Un-coup-d-epee
