Andorra Minister Considers Textbooks in Schools Amid Education Review

Andorra's Education Minister Ladislau Baró stated that the government is giving serious consideration to introducing textbooks or support materials in schools as part of a review of the country's educational model.

Baró shared the update during a session of the Consell General, responding to a question from Concòrdia councillor Maria Àngels Aché on the rollout of the PISA for Schools tests. He agreed with Aché on the importance of strengthening knowledge acquisition and basic learning, without sparking a divide between competencies and content. The minister stressed the need to continue refining the competency-based system through conceptual updates and expanded teacher training, which is already underway.

Key priorities include enhancing reading comprehension and broadening student assessment tests. On the PISA tests, Baró noted that 292 of 314 summoned students completed them, after excluding those meeting exemption criteria such as disabilities or insufficient time learning the test language. He called the participation rate "very high," ensuring reliable results reflective of Andorra's reality—though these will not be known until March or April next year, assuming standard timelines.

Aché had pressed for a sharper focus on core skills like reading comprehension, written expression, basic math, and independent learning during the curriculum overhaul. She pointed to international data revealing widespread challenges in foundational education and called for clear guidance on student learning goals and methods, to underpin competency development.

Baró endorsed her perspective, highlighting the competency model's intricacies and the value of complementary measures. He also supported a comprehensive national review of student levels across Andorra's three educational systems but flagged logistical hurdles, given the autonomy of French- and Spanish-aligned schools.