Nicole Belloubet launched a consultation on authority in schools on May 3rd through an internal video conference broadcast on YouTube, with attendance from national education officials, regional directors, and union representatives. This initiative was prompted by a speech from Gabriel Attal on April 18th in which he emphasized the need to bring back “authority, respect, and civility” to society, following incidents involving adolescent violence. The Prime Minister has set a two-month deadline for proposals on juvenile justice, parenting, and education. Educators were not able to speak during the remote conference, which featured presentations from a philosopher and a psychologist. A summary of their insights is expected by May 20th.
The discussions led by the Minister focus on three questions: “How to hold students accountable?”, “How to better involve and hold parents accountable?”, and “How to make schools a safer and more protective environment?”. France ranks poorly in terms of discipline within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, according to a 2022 international student achievement monitoring program. Teachers spend a fifth of their classroom time on discipline in primary and secondary schools, as shown by another OECD survey from 2018.
Nicole Belloubet emphasized the distinction between authority and authoritarianism, in contrast to Gabriel Attal’s emphasis on repressive measures. In a democratic society, authority is built, not decreed, according to Belloubet. She calls for a careful consideration of this concept, stressing the importance of defining the type of authority to promote in society. This includes nurturing authority that builds, accompanies, and helps individuals grow, while avoiding authority that suppresses, infantilizes, and neutralizes.
The Minister highlights the need to avoid conflating authority with authoritarianism, emphasizing that the consultation aims to help students develop a natural authority that will facilitate positive social interactions in adulthood. This approach differs from a more punitive perspective. The ultimate goal is to create a society where individuals can navigate social relationships peacefully.
Overall, the consultation on authority in schools is an essential step in addressing the issue of discipline and behavior in education. By engaging with various stakeholders and exploring different perspectives on authority within a democratic framework, the French government aims to foster a more respectful and collaborative learning environment. Through these discussions and proposals, it is hoped that effective strategies can be developed to promote accountability, involvement of parents, and overall safety within schools, ultimately benefitting both students and educators.
