Student frustrations over education reforms

High school students in France are expressing frustration with overcrowded classrooms, unsanitary conditions, and heavy schedules. Their criticisms are directed at the educational reforms introduced during the two five-year terms of President Emmanuel Macron, which they feel have not adequately addressed their needs.

Macron's remarks draw criticism

Last year, Macron told the Guardian that he "did not understand teenagers" and "did not like them." This statement has drawn attention as students and teachers criticize the government for not addressing their concerns effectively. The current administration's response to student protests has been seen as focused on security rather than solutions.

Education reforms and their impact

Macron's presidency began with a major overhaul of high school education, including changes to the baccalaureate exam. The reform replaced tracks with specialties and introduced continuous assessment. It also introduced Parcoursup, a platform for higher education placement that reviews students' academic records from the first year.

Challenges with reform implementation

While some, like Emmanuel Garot, president of the PEEP, praise the individualization of paths and consider Parcoursup a "misunderstood tool," others criticize the implementation as poorly planned. This has led to complicated schedules in high schools with gaps not adequately addressed by planned study rooms.

Pandemic impact on reforms

The pandemic disrupted the application of these reforms, with Emmanuel Garot describing a generation that "experienced the health crisis very poorly." Distance learning and isolation during this time contributed to a 30% increase in suicide attempts among young people aged 11 to 17 between 2019 and 2021.

Instability in education leadership

During Macron's second five-year term, there were rapid changes in the Minister of National Education. Figures like Pap Ndiaye, Gabriel Attal, and others held the position for only short periods. This instability has been criticized for lacking a "guiding line" and disrupting public policies in the education sector.

Unsuccessful initiatives and focus on urgency

Several initiatives, such as the Universal National Service (SNU) and Gabriel Attal's "knowledge shock," were launched but failed due to lack of funding or effectiveness. Emmanuel Garot notes that the urgency of addressing student concerns has dictated the agenda, with ministers reacting to issues like bullying and mental health after publicized suicides.

Youth concerns and government inaction

A survey by Ipsos-BVA found that more than eight out of ten young people fear a life "more difficult" than that of the previous generation. Pierre Priouret criticizes the government for its lack of action on mental health, noting the absence of additional nurse or psychologist positions. He argues that Macron does not understand youth and sees them as something to be controlled.

Teachers and the need for support

Teachers are reported to support students by sharing the reality of their situation rather than the "fiction" of Macron's policies. On the TF1 set, Minister Édouard Geffray announced the assignment of 3,000 replacement teachers "in the coming hours," prioritizing high schools where the situation is the most "problematic." While this may help fill gaps, the path to resolving the underlying concerns of students remains long.