In Costa Rica teachers at the National Institute who trains technicians, are preparing to teach classes on "social solidarity economy" under the concept that "private businesses have little or no critical concience about workers".
EDITORIAL
Private companies are wary of the recent inclusion of concepts related to cooperatives and unions in the educational programs at the National Institute of Learning, whose main objective is the teaching of technical skills, and whose resources come mainly, with 80%, from the private sector.
Despite its development in advanced countries, including the more established social democracies, dual education is fundamentally opposed by those who will always be threatened by any changes.
EDITORIAL
As with education unions throughout Latin America, where there is an imperative need for radical changes in education systems which are increasingly lagging behind the rest of the world, in Costa Rica the corporation of education workers is radically opposed to any changes, even those that have proven successful in countries with political systems focused on social welfare such as the European social democracies, as is dual education.
Dual education is a system which corrects the permanent discrepancy that exists between centralized education and labor supply, reducing youth unemployment and increasing the productivity of economies.
EDITORIAL
The use of professional training is the foundation for the success of Germany's productivity, and has been adopted in most European countries, with particular strength in Austria and Switzerland.
Behind a veneer of luxury websites of supposed online universities, lucrative networks sell certifications that contain endorsements from even the US State Department.
An article published by The New York Times reports on investigations carried out on the subject, apparently leading to a Pakistan-based organization which is dedicated to running a multi-million dollar business offering tailor made university diplomas, as well as renewal of knowledge and experience - real or not, by enrolling its customers in fictitious courses.
The private sector is proposing that universities develop courses at a technical level in areas such as electronics or hospitality, rather than just focusing on higher level academic degrees and diplomas.
This shift in the educational system which it is hoped will happen in universities would need to be a public-private joint effort, since, according to presidential advisor Bayardo Arce, "...
A bill put forward by the Ministry of Education proposes overseeing the quality of subjects taught by private institutions and forcing them to revise their curricula every five years.
From a statement issued by the presidency of Costa Rica:
Government proposes amendments to law regulating private higher education
· MEP urges changes to increase the quality of education and improve administrative processes by the CONESUP
In order to produce citizens capable of making good financial decisions the first step should be to teach them mathematics.
EDITORIAL
Charlie Wells's article in The Wall Street Journal highlights results from a study which relativizes the importance of early learning finance when it comes to citizen's ability to address the management of their mortgages, household budgets or companies.
The unemployment rate now reaches 10% in a population where 60% of workers have not completed high school, but teachers refuse to be evaluated on their ability in subjects they teach.
EDITORIAL
An article in Nacion.com cites statements by Victor Morales, Minister of Labour, on the rising unemployment levels in Costa Rica: "...There is a mismatch between supply and demand in the corporate sector. There is a demand for skilled technicians; but most of the Costa Rican labor force is unskilled. 60% have not finished high school; it is a national drama. "
The Ministry of Education has announced it will spend $120 million on the purchase of school meals, textbooks, educational materials and sports equipment during the year.
Of the total amount $3.7 million will be allocated for the purchase of instructional textbooks, $94 million for school dinners, $13.9 million for free education and finally $8.4 million for the purchase of books.
The Ministry of Education in Panama is putting out to tender the construction of three schools in the provinces of Panama, Veraguas and Chiriqui.
Panama Government Purchase 2014-0-07-0-08-LV-020266:
"DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FACILITIES FOR INTEGRAL EDUCATION CENTER "COLINAS DE PACORA", LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF PANAMA, DISTRICT OF PANAMA, TOWN OF PACORA."
According to Education First's English Proficiency Index, in Costa Rica the English level is low, while in Guatemala, Panama and El Salvador it is very low.
Out of the 63 countries surveyed in the English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), Costa Rica ranks 43, Guatemala is No. 51, followed by Panama in position 52 and El Salvador in 53.
In Costa Rica the 14% increase in funds for state universities has generated discussion even within the sector, over which stages of education produces better results from investment in terms of economic performance and social justice.
EDITORIAL
The analyst Francisco Villalobos in his article on Crhoy.com reports on the data regarding investments made by middle class families in the education of their children, noting that "the budget increase demanded by universities should be directed towards primary and secondary education therefore the state can support families when they most need support. "
The fact that the Global Well-Being Index by Gallup states that the populations of Panama, Costa Rica and Denmark share a "a high level of education" is enough to discredit the entire report.
EDITORIAL
Decision making undertaken by businesses and the government needs accurate information generated through appropriate data collection methods, so that reports can be prepared and analysis of the results validated.
Tuition and enrollment fees of 43 private educational institutions teaching Pre-school, Primary, PreMiddle and Middle (Bachelor).
The Authority for Consumer Protection and Antitrust, ACODECO, has carried out a non-probability sampling trial, which is based on a list of 43 private colleges who were sent note to invite them to participate in a survey which is carried out annually on registration and tuition fees of private schools in the City of Panama.
Adpoting the PISA tests as a basic tool for the management of education systems is essential if you want to push back the boundaries of underdevelopment.
EDITORIAL
It is not uncommon to hear from officials in Latin American educational corporations that the PISA assessment system is "unfair" because it compares results with those obtained in advanced countries.