An OECD report on Greece’s education system presented has called for more autonomy for schools and evaluation of teaching staff.
The report titled Education for a Bright Future in Greece, says that due to the economic crisis, the Greek education system has suffered a series of cuts in public spending, a decline of close to 36 percent in nominal terms over the past decade.
In addition, the recruitment freeze and the hiring of new teachers on short-term contracts has affected the quality of schools and the education system as a whole.
The report notes that the Greek education system is facing several structural challenges, including a high proportion of substitute teachers, a highly centralized school system, the need for better professional development support for teachers, the effects of widespread shadow education and weaknesses in tertiary education.
“Building on international best practices, reforms should consider more autonomy for schools and school principals, a solid accountability framework, and a culture based on evaluation,” said Gabriela Ramos, OECD Chief of Staff and Head of the OECD-Greece Joint Steering Committee.
“Now that Greece’s economic prospects are improving, it is time to centre attention on building a highly performing education system that puts children at its centre. Greece can turn its education system into the dynamo of a more inclusive and sustainable growth,” she added.
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