Editorial
Article Type: Editorial From: International Journal of Structural Integrity, Volume 3, Issue 3
I tried to write something regarding the impact of the global economic crisis on education and found myself looking at an empty monitor for hours. Perhaps my experience as a father and a person heavily involved in education for more than 22 years is the reason.
Therefore, instead of an editorial, I decided to put a few paragraphs taken from the report The Global Economic Crisis and its impact on Education,conducted by Education International.
In the USA, according to NEA, salaries, benefits, construction, maintenance,and operations in education are facing cuts. Between 500,000 and 600,000 jobs,possibly more, are potentially at risk. Most state education systems are unable to fully fund their existing programs. Funding was tight before the current economic recession began, and the shortfall has worsened dramatically in recent months. Special education programs and facilities are especially hard-hit. With the loss of resources, special education programs will have to be cut to preserve basic education programs.
In Canada, according to CAUT funding for higher education and research is to be reduced over the next three years, and a hiring freeze will take place at many colleges and universities. Both CTF and CSN (active in higher education in the Quebec province) reported that the education system in Canada had not been confronted with cuts. CTF suggested that previous cuts have been absorbed by fewer repairs in infrastructure.
In Australia there have been no cuts, but according to an AEU report, based on the Rudd Government’s May 2008 Budget, the Commonwealth recurrent funding for public schools was projected to be cut in real terms to 33.8 percent by 2011-2012.
In Taiwan the annual education budget for 2009 has decreased. In 2008, the government diverted around $22.7 million for higher education in order to stimulate economic growth.
In Italy and Ireland cuts in education have taken place at all levels(primary, secondary, higher education) and including adult education and research. Cuts in Ireland include reduction in pay roll costs, administration costs and capital costs. Ireland has a lower that average investment in education compared to other OECD countries (4.6 percent of GDP compared to an OECD average of 5.8 percent). Additionally, resources for language support teachers have been curtailed to some degree and the provision of resources to support the integration of students with special needs has been delayed.
In Finland there have been cuts in certain municipalities, depending on their economic situation, as they are responsible for maintenance of their own education services. This has resulted in increased class sizes, reduced curriculum and temporarily lay-offs of staff.
In the UK, according to the NUT, cuts have taken place initially in higher education, with the exception of science, technology and mathematics.
In none of the European countries, except Norway, have governments announced plans to prevent teacher layoffs.
Of course there counties all over the world like Germany, Sweden, Brazil,South Africa, Australia, etc. that have not yet announced cuts but have rather increased their spending.
The question, which automatically crosses my mind, is “Have we reached a state, at least for the advanced countries, where education might not be regarded as a constitutionally protected right?”
Chris A. Rodopoulos
