National Education teachers mobilize in Mende against level groups at the start of the school year

Une trentaine d'enseignants a manifesté à Mende. MIDI LIBRE – M. P

The distribution of students by level groups, a measure announced last December by Gabriel Attal, then Minister of National Education, provokes the anger of unions and teachers. They mobilized in Mende on Tuesday February 6, 2024.  

After an initial mobilization last week, the teachers' unions met on Tuesday February 6, 2024 on Place Urbain V in Mende, to demonstrate. In question, the distribution of students by level groups from the next school year. Clémence Gouret, French teacher at the Émile-Peytavin high school, Snes activist, explains: " We are protesting against the reform of the clash of knowledge. It is very unpopular among teachers, and goes against our values."

A stigmatization of students

For the union member, the provision needs to be reviewed: " Level groups will stigmatize students and prevent them from progressing. We ask for small groups, a maximum of 24 students per class. This is the only measure that can allow teachers to adapt to the needs of all." The arrangement of homework done since 2017, does not find either plus the support of the teaching staff: " It could work, without being the answer to everything. This should be done in a relevant way, with a real project, targeting students who have real support difficulties at home, supports the unionist.

A future minister "more expert"

Finally, the debut of Amélie Oudéa-Castéra as Minister of National Education cast a chill: " She made a deplorable entrance, the worst in history. But the real subject is how the school will work next year and how to avoid social sorting. " While half-heartedly hoping that a new "boss" be named: "More expert, someone the field speaks to".