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Teachers' unions said that this is a program that incorporates technology into the classroom. In addition, class periods will be extended from 45 minutes to 55 minutes. It is already being implemented as a pilot program in some schools.
The Ministry of Education (MINED) will launch a new format for teaching classes in the country's public schools in 2026, as part of an educational modernization program within the My New School reform, teachers' unions explained this Tuesday
Union representatives consulted by this newsroom said that the new format in which classes will be taught is called Educational Modernization and will utilize technology in the classroom and extend class time.
According to the organizations, a digital platform will be used to manage classes and content. These will be in-person, but controlled by personnel external to the classroom.
"Classes will be in person with the students, but the platform will be managed from another location, which we don't know if it's the Ministry of Education or the Presidential Palace," explained the Union of Public Education Teachers of El Salvador (SIMEDUCO).
To this end, the union added, the Ministry of Education will install screens and internet access points in each classroom.
In addition, the intention is to increase students' time in the classroom from 45 minutes to 55 minutes
This new teaching method is already being implemented in some schools across the country as a pilot program, the unions explained
The teachers' union Bases Magisteriales confirmed that the pilot program is being carried out with the subjects of Mathematics and Language and Literature, where class hours have also been extended.
"In some schools, a project called Educational Modernization is being developed, and in those subjects, the class period lasts 55 minutes," the union mentioned.
According to the organizations, the Ministry of Education's purpose with this new approach is "to make effective use of the system's physical spaces and resources," organizing the academic workload according to each teacher's specialty.
However, the unions pointed out a deficiency: in the case of Mathematics, teachers are asked to develop, for example, 19 exercises during the 55-minute period, but only cover three or four, requiring them to supplement the work with tutoring.
The unions warn that this pace could lead to academic underachievement, especially among students who show the most weaknesses in their learning.
Added to this is the reduction of recess time, which will go from 20 to 10 minutes, with two breaks per day. In the schools where the pilot program is being implemented, students have stated that there is not enough time to eat or go to the restroom, teachers explained
"These schedules are anti-pedagogical and would generate stress in students and teachers," emphasized Bases Magisteriales.
The new model promoted by the Ministry of Education is not entirely to the liking of teachers, since they asserted that their role will be reduced to that of a "technician who will apply given content through the platform." They also said that they will have less leeway to adapt their classes. Although the time allocated to lesson planning would be reduced, they asserted that this limits "academic freedom" and the ability to adjust the pace of teaching.
The unions also spoke about the difficulties that would arise from the afternoon session ending at 6:00 p.m
“There are students who have to cross rivers or ravines to get home after school, which could put them at risk,” said SIMEDUCO.
LA PRENSA GRÁFICA wrote to the MINED communications officer on Tuesday to ask for more details about this program. A response is still pending.