elmundo.es
Spain Reaches Record Low in Early School Leaving, but Lags Behind EU
Spain's early school-leaving rate hit a record low of 13% in 2024, down from 13.7% in 2023, due to higher parental education and successful vocational training programs; however, Spain still lags behind the EU average.
- What are the main factors contributing to Spain's record low early school leaving rate, and what are the immediate consequences of this trend?
- In 2024, Spain reached its lowest ever early school leaving rate of 13%, down from 13.7% in 2023. This is attributed to improved parental education levels and the success of vocational training (FP), particularly the increase in mid-level FP programs and dual FP, combining theory with company internships. However, Spain still lags behind other EU countries.
- How does the success of vocational training programs, particularly mid-level FP and dual FP, contribute to the decline in early school leaving?
- The decrease in early school leaving is linked to increased parental education and the rising popularity of vocational training programs. The improved perception of job prospects after completing mid-level FP, and the appeal of dual FP programs, has made this path more attractive than early school leaving. This positive trend follows a pandemic-related dip and subsequent recovery.
- Considering Spain's continued high ranking among EU countries in early school leaving, what long-term challenges and opportunities remain for improving educational outcomes, and what strategies could accelerate progress toward the EU's 2030 target?
- While Spain's early school leaving rate shows improvement, reaching a historic low, the country remains second highest in the EU (after Romania) and far from the EU's 2030 target of 9%. The positive effect of increased FP participation may be limited by the country's overall educational performance and the inherent societal factors. Continued focus on mid-level FP and dual training may be needed.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening paragraph emphasize the positive news of record-low early school abandonment. The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects and solutions, highlighting the role of parental education, vocational training, and government policies. While acknowledging Spain lags behind Europe, this is presented near the end, minimizing its impact on the overall narrative.
Language Bias
The article uses generally neutral language, although phrases like "good figures" and "positive trend" subtly shape the reader's perception. While not overtly biased, the predominantly positive framing contributes to a somewhat skewed portrayal of the situation. The use of "saca pecho" (shows off) when referring to the government's actions could be considered slightly loaded.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the positive trend of decreased early school abandonment but omits discussion of potential negative consequences or challenges associated with this decrease, such as increased pressure on students or potential strain on resources within educational institutions. It also doesn't delve into regional disparities in early school abandonment rates across Spain. While acknowledging Spain lags behind other European countries, it doesn't detail the specific policies or factors contributing to this gap, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view by focusing primarily on the positive aspects of the decrease in early school abandonment, without fully exploring the complexities of the issue or offering a balanced perspective that includes potential drawbacks. It frames the situation as largely positive, neglecting the nuances and challenges related to the high rate compared to other EU nations.
Gender Bias
The article mentions that during the pandemic, girls were more likely to postpone leaving their studies, but this is a minor point and not further analyzed. There is no other explicit gender bias in the text provided.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant decrease in early school abandonment in Spain, reaching a historic low of 13% in 2024. This positive trend is attributed to factors such as increased parental education levels, the success of vocational training (FP), and the implementation of dual FP programs. While progress is noted, Spain still lags behind European averages and faces challenges in meeting the EU