Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka expressed a firm opinion on introducing patriotic education to Polish schools, in accordance with the bill presented by the president of PSL, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The PSL proposal, which includes visiting places crucial for Polish past and promoting regional traditions, met with criticism from the minister Nowacka, who stressed that she did not agree to the introduction of politics into the education system.
The PSL proposal on patriotic education
In mid-August, the leader of PSL, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, presented a bill aimed at introducing patriotic education into Polish schools. As he stressed, the task is not intended to make a fresh subject, but alternatively to enrich the existing educational program with patriotic elements, specified as visiting places applicable to Polish history, including those of regional importance. "This is not the discovery of America," Kosinik-Kamish noted, referring to the innovation of his proposal.
Response by Minister Barbara Nowacka
Barbara Nowacka, Minister of Education, in her speech in the "Guest of Events" program powerfully opposed the PSL project, stressing that she did not see the request for an additional Patriotic Education Act. Nowacka pointed out that so far there was no anticipation of talking to the president of PSL. In her opinion, the introduction of specified a bill may lead to politicisation of schools, which is contrary to her imagination of education.
"What is guiding me, Prime Minister Tusk, is depoliticising the school," Nowacka said, adding that she does not agree that the Minister of Education decides where teachers are to organize trips. According to the minister, teachers know best what their students are curious in, and they should have a decisive voice on the organisation of educational trips.
Autonomy of teachers and schools
Minister Nowacka besides stressed that the school should be free from organization influence, and teachers should have full autonomy in shaping the curriculum. "I would like the school to be free from organization influences, due to the fact that we teach all children, regardless of their views, their parents," she said. According to her, schools and local governments should play a key function in shaping educational programmes.
In consequence to the question of whether the Patriotic Education Act is needed, Nowacka stated that she felt that “certainly PSL to politics”. “There is no request for school. Teachers and teachers truly teach children patriotism," she argued. In her opinion, most of the points included in the bill are already implemented in Polish schools.
Policies and Education
Nowacka did not hide her position towards the PSL bill, recognising it as an component of the political game. "I treat this as a political game, completely normal. I will not accept the stubbornness of the school," said the minister. She besides added that she did not intend to introduce politics to schools through parliamentary draft laws, as her aim is to give teachers autonomy in their work.
“This is not why I listed curators as non-partisans, not why I give autonomy to teachers, so as to now introduce politics to the bill, a parliamentary project. There will be no politics and partying in the Polish school as long as I am a minister and as my contract with Donald Tuski is valid," said Barbara Nowacka.
Patriotism in Education according to PSL
On the another hand, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, arguing for the introduction of patriotic education, pointed out that the program aimed, among others, at visiting places crucial for Polish past and national identity. "There will be places connected with the past of Poland, with the national identity which each student must visit. Many countries have specified systems," said the leader of PSL.
Kosiniak-Kamysz besides emphasized that the program is to cover a wide spectrum of historical and literary figures, including authors specified as Czesław Miłosz, Wisława Szymborska, Henryk Sienkiewicz or Władysław Reymont. "No 1 should be excluded. And for Olga Tokarczuk, and for Adam Mickiewicz's ‘Dziads’," he added.
Summary
The discussion on patriotic education in Polish schools shows the collision of 2 different visions of education – 1 promoting the depoliticization and autonomy of teachers, and the another aiming to introduce patriotic elements into the curriculum. Barbara Nowacka, as Minister of Education, powerfully opposes the introduction of politics into schools, while PSL sees this as an chance to strengthen patriotic values in the young generation.
However, both parties agree that patriotic education is an crucial component in shaping national identity, although they disagree in the methods of its implementation.
Continued here:
Nowacka disagrees with PSL's thought of introducing patriotic education in schools
