Balearics PISA warning: teachers demand stable teams

The Balearic Islands repeatedly fall below Spain’s average in fundamental skills, and teaching union ANPE says the PISA results demand action. In Palma on Tuesday, after the report was published, it called for stable teaching teams, smaller classes, more support staff and less paperwork. ANPE says the findings should be a warning about deeper problems in the islands’ education system.

The union stresses that PISA cannot, on its own, judge the quality of an education system or pin results on a single cause. But it says the figures show that the islands’ social, economic and geographic circumstances must be taken into account.

Housing costs and changing classrooms

ANPE points to high pupil mobility and diversity, demographic pressure and an economy closely tied to tourism and services. In some cases, it says, that can encourage young people to enter the job market early.

Island life, expensive housing and the cost of living also make it harder to fill some posts and keep teachers in the Balearics, according to the union. It wants stronger support for basic skills and pupil diversity, alongside steps to recruit and retain staff.

ANPE also says the effect of new digital habits and heavy use of screens and mobile devices needs attention, citing possible impacts on concentration, reading habits and academic performance.

Push for a 2027–2031 education deal

The union wants the PISA findings to weigh heavily in negotiations on the new education agreement for 2027–2031. It says the plan needs a real budget commitment to state education and measures that can lift results over the medium and long term.

ANPE president Víctor Villatoro said the islands could not accept remaining below the Spanish average. He called for more resources, less bureaucracy and working and pay conditions that help schools keep teachers.

The union will also stand in the 17 September staff committee elections at the Higher Conservatory of Music and the Higher School of Dramatic Art. It wants a say on new rules and premises, including planned facilities in the Arts District, and is seeking a professional career structure, equal conditions for specialists and permanent teachers, and a 35-hour working week.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Housing · Education · Tourism · Politics · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com