Mexican teachers' group warns of educational gaps after court ruling

Mexico's education system faces a new reality after the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) upheld an agreement from the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP). This landmark ruling, which came into effect months ago, eliminates the minimum attendance requirement of 80% for course credit and permits automatic promotion in preschool and the first grade of primary school. It also introduces more flexible criteria for academic accreditation across basic education.

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the resolution of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) that validated a few months ago the agreement of the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) to eliminate the minimum attendance requirement, allow automatic promotion in some grades and flexibilize accreditation criteria in basic education will force the strengthening of academic regularization and support mechanisms for teachers and students.

The Alianza de Maestros, a prominent teachers' organization, has responded by emphasizing the urgent need to bolster academic regularization and support mechanisms for both students and educators. The group stated that while the court's decision aligns with the SEP's approach, they hold differing views on some of the judicial reasoning.

The Supreme Court's rationale, as highlighted by the Alianza de Maestros, centers on preventing students from being excluded from the educational system due to social, economic, or familial circumstances. The court argued that failing students based on attendance or performance could exacerbate social inequalities and hinder their overall development. However, Alianza de Maestros countered that evaluation is a crucial tool for identifying areas needing improvement and supporting student learning, rather than solely a means of failure.

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the Court held that the objective of these measures is to prevent children and adolescents from being excluded from the educational system due to social, economic, or family factors.

The organization stressed that the education system's goal has long been to facilitate student progression with the best possible academic preparation, not to fail them. Teachers, they affirmed, consistently strive to foster academic growth despite numerous challenges. The Alianza de Maestros also pointed out that schools, both public and private, continuously develop strategies to enhance student achievement, moving beyond simple grades or attendance percentages.

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evaluation is a tool to identify areas of opportunity and support the improvement of student learning.