Teachers in Tamaulipas Reject Change to School Calendar. Gilberto Ruiz Hernández, principal of the Matías Canales Elementary School in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, expressed his disagreement with the reduction of the school calendar.
The principal explained that this adjustment modified activities that were already scheduled. Among them, he mentioned graduation ceremonies, academic evaluations, and remedial activities for students who have fallen behind due to the pandemic.
“We teachers are unhappy with this change to the school calendar because right now we are being blamed, and the reality is that we have nothing to do with it,” stated Ruiz Hernández.
According to the teacher, he had held meetings with teachers and parents the day before. The objective was to organize the graduation of the sixth-grade students, but the date had to be changed due to the new official directive.
Ruiz Hernández pointed out that the measure could disproportionately affect students with academic difficulties. He also mentioned those with frequent absences or special needs who require ongoing support.
“Primarily, it’s the children’s learning, because we struggle quite a bit sometimes with absences. We have children who are neglected, with learning difficulties and different circumstances that require a lot of support,” the teacher expressed.
Teachers in Tamaulipas distance themselves from and reject changes to the official school calendar.
Ruiz Hernández believes that the authorities did not take into account the opinions of teachers or union representatives before implementing the change. He stated that they are intimately familiar with the real needs within the schools.
He also pointed out that, on many occasions, teachers must find additional strategies to meet school objectives. This occurs despite the lack of materials, educational delays, and limited institutional support.
“Society immediately blames the teachers. We are always the ones to blame for everything, when the reality is that we didn’t do anything,” declared the elementary school principal.
Finally, Ruiz Hernández warned that shortening the school calendar could increase the learning gaps left by the pandemic. Especially, he said, among students who still face problems reading, writing well, or maintaining consistent academic performance.
Source: voxpopulinoticias
