Poland's Education Minister Criticizes Ombudsman's Intervention in 'Free Ice Cream for Top Grades' Promotion

An initiative in Pszczyna, Poland, that rewarded students with top grades with free ice cream has concluded following an intervention by the children's rights ombudsman. The ombudsman, Monika Horna-Cieślak, wrote to the ice cream parlor owner, stating that focusing on grades as a criterion for rewards might lead to unnecessary pressure on students who, for various reasons, do not achieve high academic results.

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Focusing on grades as a criterion for rewarding can lead to unnecessary pressure among students who, for various reasons, do not achieve high results in their studies.

This action has sparked debate, with some questioning the value of top-grade certificates. However, Poland's Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, clarified that there are no discussions within the ministry to abolish these certificates. "School is also there to showcase the best and distinguish them," she said in a Radio Zet interview, adding that the certificate is a reward for a high average grade.

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School is also there to showcase the best and distinguish them. But I also urge young people to work throughout the year, not to do last-minute actions for teachers 'raise our grades'.

Nowacka acknowledged that top-grade certificates can generate discussion and emotions, and while the calculation of the average grade might be subject to review, she has no plans for changes. She believes that students should strive to work throughout the year rather than making last-minute appeals to teachers to raise their grades.

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The certificate is a reward for a high average grade. One can wonder if this average is currently calculated correctly, or if it should be raised, or if something should be changed, but I have no such plans.

When asked if she was taken aback by the ombudsman's intervention, Nowacka described her reaction as a "facepalm." She questioned why the ombudsman was focusing on such matters when young people face numerous challenges, including social media pressures and anxieties about the job market in the age of artificial intelligence. Nowacka characterized the intervention as a "misunderstood equality," arguing that pursuing a business owner for a kind and benevolent initiative is misguided.

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Pursuing an entrepreneur for having a nice, kind, benevolent idea and chasing them for it is a misunderstood equality.