School and chicken coop classes, “first measures already in the field”

The topic of the so-called “chicken coop” classes has been on the table of Minister Patrizio Bianchi since February. This is specified by sources from the Ministry of Education, who let it be known that Bianchi has asked for a careful analysis of the data at a territorial level which shows that these classes are concentrated in large cities and, in particular, in secondary schools. Among the reforms of the NRP there is also that relating to the reduction of the number of students per class. So the ministry is already working in this direction. While waiting for the reform, Minister Bianchi has already put in place a series of concrete actions. In particular, it is explained, the ministry has kept the staff stable this year, despite the birth rate. That is to say that, although the number of pupils was decreasing, no places in the teaching staff were cut. Just to ensure that you could have teachers to make less numerous classes. The 270 million allocated in August to local authorities for light construction and space rental interventions were distributed on the basis of the number of pupils and the overcrowding of the classes. A parameter never used before. Still, the 400 million assigned to the regional school offices for the extra staff for the emergency were distributed taking into account the progress of the Invalsi tests and also the number of classes. To the 400 million, another 22.4 million have been added for schools that have at least 5 classes with high numbers precisely for targeted interventions and to provide additional staff. Another 50 million of the Pon will be distributed in September for additional educational projects in schools with large classes, in particular for the third grade and upper fifths, with the aim of strengthening the preparation of those who have to take the end-of-year exams.