Education reform divides the community. The right is collecting signatures for a veto appeal
The Ministry of National Education is prepared for every variant and the reform will be introduced regardless of whether the president signs the amendment or vetoes it, said Barbara Nowacka, Minister of Education on Wednesday, when asked about calls to veto the amendment, which, among other things, enables the implementation of curriculum reform at school.
Nowacka: The reform will come into force regardless of the president's decision
To veto the amendment to the Education Law, submitted for the president's signature, which, among other things, enables the implementation of curriculum reform in schools in stages, the National Secretariat of Science and Education of NSZZ “Solidarność” and the Coalition for the Protection of Polish Schools appealed to Karol Nawrocki. The Teachers for Freedom organization, which is part of the Coalition, appealed to parents and teachers to collect signatures in an appeal to the president.
Barbara Nowacka, Minister of Education, was asked by journalists to comment on this matter.
Criticism of “Solidarity”: “It works to the detriment of public schools”
– It is sad that the teachers' trade union, whose task is to support teachers, suddenly speaks out against teachers' autonomy, that those who are supposed to take care of the good of education believe that schools should be kept in such inequalities – said Nowacka. She explained that private schools already offer work methods such as educational experience, project week, and modules – e.g. media, philosophy, finance. – It's already happening. I would like, and this is what the ministry is striving for, to make these changes possible in public schools, she added.
In the opinion of the Ministry of Education, the educational “Solidarity” and the organizations calling for a veto are acting to the detriment of public schools. – I am outraged and appalled by this – she said.
– What we propose in the reform are calm changes that give teachers greater autonomy, give students the opportunity to work in teams, and develop key competencies in the 21st century. And this is simply in the interest of Poland, Polish youth, the Polish economy, the Polish future and the well-being of young people, but also the well-being of teachers – Nowacka pointed out.
– I hope that the president will not listen to these harmful statements, but the ministry is prepared for any variant – she added.
“Compass of Tomorrow” and consultations for teachers
She recalled that the drafts of new core curricula for preschool education and general education for primary schools, prepared in connection with “Reform 26. Kompas Jutra”, were submitted for consultation in November.
– I invite everyone, especially teachers and blackboard teachers, to consult (…), to get to know them so that they can see the difference between the truth and the fake news spread by some right-wing circles. I invite you to consultations, we will introduce the “Compass of Tomorrow” reform, regardless of whether the president adopts the act or not, she emphasized.
The minister was asked whether if the president vetoes the amendment to the Education Law, the Sejm will reject the veto. – This would also require a decision and determination of PiS politicians – replied Nowacka. She noted that while the project was being discussed at the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Science, “a very strange thing was noticed.” – There were several MPs who were very vocal in criticizing the reform. Those who really know each other sat quietly or said “it's happening”, “there's nothing big about this reform”, “the changes you propose are already there somewhere,” she said.
Information campaign and field meetings from January
The head of the Ministry of National Education also commented on the voices of teachers that information about the changes being prepared is not available everywhere. – We are aware that we need to communicate and reach out even more – she said. She announced the launch of an information campaign in the media, including local media, within a few days.
She also informed that information about the reform will reach every teacher – Using the SIO system, we will ask school principals to send the ministry's request for blackboard and subject teachers to take part in consultations on the core curriculum. This is necessary, she emphasized. She also announced a special newsletter and meetings with teachers in the field, which are to start at the beginning of January 2026. – We will travel and meet not only in provincial cities, but also in smaller towns, to talk about the reform – she added.
The minister appealed to those who are in favor of the reform, just as the opponents of the reform are becoming active, “to show that they support it.” – So that those who know that changes are needed should also speak out – she said.
Modern education and changes in the subject of security
She emphasized that the reform is intended for students to learn in a much more modern way, to learn not only dry theory, but also practice, experience, and teamwork. – These are the competences of the future, needed by young people. Knowledge of foreign languages, but also the ability to communicate and work in a team is the foundation for building the future. Agency, the ability to show that not only do I know it, but I know how to implement it, that I can implement it, and what's more – I implement it. These are the basic assumptions of the reform, plus digital skills. In the world of fake news, lies and manipulation, these skills will be crucial, she said.
She emphasized that security issues are also very important elements of the reform. She informed that the subject, which is still called education for safety, has a new core curriculum. – I want it to be introduced from September 1, 2026 – she said. She added that “this basis is much more practical, responding to the challenges of modern times, and symbolically it will be necessary to return to a name that will have defense in it.”
To veto the amendment to the Education Law, enabling, among others, implementation of the curriculum reform in schools in stages, the National Secretariat of Science and Education of NSZZ “Solidarność” appealed to President Karol Nawrocki. According to him, the amendment raises serious substantive and legal concerns.
The amendment to the Education Law and certain other acts, which was submitted to the president, changes, among others: definition of the core curriculum for preschool education and the core curriculum for general education. They are to clearly and precisely define educational goals and learning outcomes, and be consistent internally and between subjects.
The basics are to be written in the language of learning outcomes precisely enough to enable the creation of diagnostic tools and exams on their basis, as well as to effectively support students in the learning process. At the same time, they should be flexible enough to allow teachers to implement them according to their own ideas and in a way that takes into account the diverse educational needs of students, focused on building students' competences, and not only on memorizing information.
The change in the core curriculum for preschool education, the core curriculum for general education and the framework teaching plans for public schools is planned for gradual implementation, starting from the school year 2026/2027 in preschool education and in grades I and IV of primary school, and in the case of grade I of secondary schools, from the school year 2027/2028.
The amendment also introduces, among others: changes in the scope of pedagogical supervision, including the abandonment of the obligation for the education superintendent to issue opinions on the organization sheets of public schools and institutions (there will only be follow-up inspections). It also returns, from the 2026/2027 school year, to the April date of the eighth-grade exam. (PAP)
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