The Department of Education and Vocational Training of the Andalusian Government has presented in Huelva el Educational Care Program for centres located in Social Transformation Zones (ZTS), a plan that aims improve the academic performance of the most vulnerable studentsA total of 46 schools and institutes in the province have adopted this new model, which has an investment of 4,1 million euros for the 2024-25 academic year and the incorporation of 83 additional teachers.
Strengthening the workforce and paying attention to diversity
The new program has involved the incorporation of 33 teachers, 35 masters and 15 counselors, which contributes to the configuration of the largest staff of specialists in attention to diversity in the history of Andalusian education. According to the Minister of Educational Development, María del Carmen Castillo, "there have never been so many resources as there are today," which translates into an improvement in the graduation rate and a reduction in school absenteeism.
In the province of Huelva, the number of students with specific educational support needs (NEAE) and with special educational needs (NEE) has grown in the last five years, going from 3.450 to 5.280 students. To meet this increase, the Regional Government has reinforced the resources allocated to special education with 454 units between Special Education and Integration Support classrooms, 75 more than in 2019. In addition, the number of specialists has increased by 31%, reaching 1.017 teachers.
Features of the new education
The program focuses on improving the academic performance of the most vulnerable students and is applied in Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, ESO and Basic Vocational Training centers. The criteria for selecting beneficiary centres include:
- Location in Zones of Social Transformation.
- High rate of absenteeism and low academic success.
- High student-to-classroom ratios.
- Sixth grade primary school suitability rate below 90%.
- Completion rate in ESO below 90%.
Schools and institutes will receive between one and two additional teachers, who They will contribute to improving individualized monitoring, coordination with families and collaboration with external entities to ensure a more inclusive and effective educational environment..
Impact and future forecasts
La Department of Educational Development The plan is to allow schools to organise their resources in a flexible manner to better meet the specific needs of their students. In schools, extra teachers will allow for splitting up some classrooms, personalised monitoring of students and greater involvement of families in the educational process. In high schools, priority will be given to attending to students in basic education, ensuring their continuity and academic success.
The Andalusian Government will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the program, with the possibility of increasing resources based on the results obtained. With this Educational Care Plan, the Andalusian Government reinforces its commitment to inclusive and quality public education, ensuring that no student is left behind due to their socioeconomic status or family background.
