Katarzyna Lubnauer of the Civic Coalition spoke in an interview with Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, emphasizing that education holds a special place for every group and that the opposition shares a common vision. At the start of the discussion, she indicated that she would trim parts of the conversation to protect the coalition’s unity. What remains then?
Opposition priorities
When asked if the opposition’s education plan should oppose Czarnek, Lubnauer stood by her stance. She argued that the more damaging figure is his predecessor Anna Zalewska and her structural reforms, since Czarnek’s ideological elements could be removed from schools if handled correctly.
The opposition MP described a lengthy agenda for education once control over the Ministry of Education is obtained, noting budgetary challenges. She claimed that Minister Czarnek dispersed departmental funds without clear financing sources, and that the Ministry itself lacks clarity on funding streams.
A representative of the Civic Coalition suggested that inspections by the Office of the Auditor General (NIK) might occur, though there could be a shortage of inspectors given the scope of scandals associated with the ruling party.
The opposition’s aim for education reform
Regarding reforms, Lubnauer argued that Zalewska’s changes produced unequal opportunities, heightened tutoring problems, teacher shortages, and a student exodus from public schools. She presented an “original idea” for change.
Her proposal centers on a flexible school structure. She asserted that Zalewska’s reforms fragmented schooling networks and widened disparities, calling for a re-thought framework that reduces program loads and moves away from excessive homework, with the belief that learning should occur primarily in the classroom. The plan envisions one change to allow students to receive help at school after classes and then return home to rest.
Lubnauer also proposed moving religious instruction to after-class hours, arguing this would ease scheduling for other subjects. She suggested removing the religion grade from certificates and implementing changes through standard regulations similar to core curriculum updates. When pressed about the frequency of reforms, she noted that Zalewska’s changes had not improved quality, and argued that the opposition would provide more stability through a less ideologically driven approach while granting schools greater autonomy and teachers more decision-making power, with students gaining more influence over school affairs.
On the legal dimensions, Lubnauer acknowledged that many reforms require laws that the president can block. She cautioned that presidential decisions could be used by the opposition as leverage, citing past experience where outcomes were unpredictable.
In related context, discussions included the scope of technology in learning. Lubnauer supported tablet distribution and internet access for students, but warned that devices alone do not modernize schools unless accompanied by programs that leverage modern technology. She also touched on partnerships with non-governmental organizations, noting that some groups would be welcome back in schools while others would not, with a clear emphasis on making schools safe for all students, including LGBT youth.
As for practical shifts, Lubnauer floated a reduction in the physical load of textbooks by providing electronic equivalents, phasing out outdated content, and returning to WOS (the subject area) while promising an overall 30% increase in teacher salaries starting January 1 of the coming year. She framed these as specifics within a broader aim to streamline the core curriculum. The coalition, she said, does not seek an ideological overhaul but seeks greater school autonomy, expanded teacher discretion, and greater student agency within the school system.
Her remarks also touched on the political reality that policymaking is often mediated by presidential discretion and interim parliamentary dynamics. She warned that past experiences show presidential decisions can be unpredictable and strategically used in political messaging.
In closing, Lubnauer referenced ongoing commentary about education politics. She stressed that a left-leaning shift could provoke strong reactions but framed the discussion as part of a broader effort to improve schooling for all children, including the most vulnerable groups. The dialogue reflected a wider debate about how to balance accountability, autonomy, and equity within Poland’s education system. This overview is drawn from interviews and public statements reported by Dziennik Gazeta Prawna and other outlets cited for context.
Source: wPolityce