Student Statute aims to enhance “safety, tranquillity and discipline” in schools
The Government of the Azores announced today on the island of São Jorge the adoption of the Student Statute for Basic and Secondary Education levels with the purpose of providing conditions to enhance “ safety, tranquillity and discipline” in regional schools.
As the Regional Secretary of the Presidency stated, the fulfilment of this goal entails the “reinforcement of the authority of administrative and management bodies of schools, class tutors and teachers in general,” the “introduction of mechanisms to prevent situations that jeopardise the normal operation of schools or the welfare of the school community members” and the “implementation of measures to ensure the adequate monitoring of those involved in severe situations.”
Contrary to present situation, the recently approved statute also provides that the reporting of occurrences “can be made by any member of the school community and it also strengthens the powers of the president of the school board so that may be able take immediate action,” stated André Bradford during the presentation of the press release of the Government meeting, held in Velas on Monday.
According to the Regional Secretary, the legislation “also simplifies disciplinary procedures, eliminating unnecessary procedures” since the disciplinary proceedings taken against a student attending basic education and secondary schools “should be expeditious, involving, as soon as possible, parents and caregivers, to ensure its effectiveness.”
Moreover, André Bradford revealed that the statute “reduces the current time limit in force and simplifies procedures regarding the student’s defence and the involvement of parents and caregivers,” adding that some “amendments were made in order to reinforce the key principles for improving learning, particularly in terms of attendance and punctuality of students and their engagement in school activities, as well as regarding the co-responsibility of parents and caregivers.”
The Student Statute also provides the creation of “merit awards intended to distinguish students who demonstrate exemplary attitudes in overcoming their difficulties, achieve excellent academic results, produce academic works of excellence, develop exemplary intervention initiatives in the educational community, or those who achieve merit in sport,” said the Regional Secretary of the Presidency.
During the meeting, the Council of the Government also approved a regional implementing decree establishing regional key skills considered “structuring for the integrated education of students in a context of ‘Azoreanity’ and global citizenship, and the respective Curriculum Framework.”
Under the terms of the decree, the Regional Basic Education Curriculum will be developed based on eight key skills: Language skills, Math skills, Scientific and Technological skills, Cultural and Artistic skills, Digital skills, Physical and Motor skills, Autonomy and Learning Management skills, and Social and Citizenship skills.