The Regional Secretary for Education and Training announced in Horta on Tuesday that the Government will quickly take action “to reinforce the authority of the teaching staff” and “restore the teacher’s role as educator.”

The assurance was provided by Cláudia Cardoso at the Legislative Assembly during the questioning to the Regional Government on the education sector, promoted by the parliamentary representation of PPM (Popular Monarchist Party).

The Secretary added that changes will be made to the student statute, the rules on the administrative and educational management of students and the diploma regulating the management of organic units.

Cláudia Cardoso also considered that this restructuring also involves the “strengthening of school leadership,” announcing that teachers will be granted the “public authority status.”

In fact, this measure aims to promote the necessary procedures to ensure that all cases of aggression be considered “public crime.”

Another measure ensures the provision of legal assistance “to the teachers who have been named suspect or party in judicial or administrative process.”

Furthermore, the Regional Secretary also stressed that strengthening the authority of teachers also requires the participation of parents in the school life of their children.

In order to tackle the “systematic depreciation” and the “lack of interest” of many families towards the school life of their children, Cláudia Cardoso admitted resorting to the application of fines and the withdrawal of social support. 

According to the Secretary, the Government will require “the strict compliance with the parents’ obligation to take part in the school path of their children,” adding that it is also intended to “involve parents in the management of schools.”

In this context, Cláudia Cardoso announced the creation of the Regional Parents Council, “a tool that will enhance this participation and create a future commitment.”

In order to reinforce the authority of teachers, the Secretary for Education defended the need to take action in the promotion of discipline, recognition of academic merit and civic consciousness.
 
The creation of a Safety Observatory and a School Safety Coordinator Office, which will be under the supervision of the Regional Secretary for Education, were other goals announced by Cláudia Cardoso, who also promised “to move ahead immediately” with the simplification of administrative and educational procedures.