The issue of school diversity continues to be a topic of discussion in France, despite the Macron administration’s reluctance to address it. A recent incident involved former Minister of Education Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, who publicly stated that she chose a private school for her children due to absenteeism among public school teachers. Many commentators saw this as a deliberate strategy by the elites to avoid public schools, highlighting the issue of social separatism within the French education system. This problem is further exacerbated by the concentration of difficulties in segregated schools. The extent of the problem, its impact on students, and potential solutions are explored in the thought-provoking book “Le Ghetto Scolaire: Pour en Finir Avec le Séparatisme” by former Minister of Education Najat Vallaud-Belkacem and sociologist François Dubet.
Vallaud-Belkacem and Dubet draw on their extensive experience in education and research to present compelling arguments in favor of school diversity. Despite current trends towards creating leveled groups in subjects like math and French in schools, studies in education consistently show that mixed ability groups benefit low-performing students without hindering the progress of high-performing ones. The book emphasizes the positive effects of diversity in schools, highlighting the need to address the current trend towards segregation and separatism.
The authors delve into the mechanisms that perpetuate segregation within the education system, including the actions of families as well as the impact of geographical factors. They stress the importance of acknowledging the diverse nature of different regions, noting that solutions that work in one area may not be effective in another. The book offers various solutions to address these issues, many of which were implemented during Vallaud-Belkacem’s tenure as Minister of Education, such as closing overly segregated schools, mixing students from neighboring schools, and adjusting educational offerings to make schools more appealing and diverse.
Overall, “Le Ghetto Scolaire” provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges posed by social separatism in French schools and offers practical solutions to promote diversity and inclusivity. By drawing on their expertise and firsthand experience in the field of education, Vallaud-Belkacem and Dubet highlight the importance of addressing these issues to ensure equal opportunities for all students. The book serves as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and society as a whole to work towards a more integrated and equitable education system that benefits all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.
