法國總統擬取消家庭作業

法國總統奧朗德近日宣佈一系列教育改革方案，其中包括取消家庭作業、提前放學時間，以及將學生每週在校日從4天延長到4天半等。奧朗德表示，來自優越家庭的孩子做家庭作業時可以得到父母的指導，而條件欠缺家庭的孩子卻得不到任何指導和幫助，因此，所有的功課都應該在學校完成，而不是帶回家完成。對於上述改革方案，法國全國家長組織的主席瑪蒂表示“完全不現實”。法國學生每年在校時間平均爲847小時，在國際大賽中，法國學生的成績落後於大部分臨近的歐洲國家以及美國的學生。奧朗德的教育改革計劃還包括增加教育方面的財政支持。薩科奇在任時曾削減了數千個教職崗位，而奧朗德則承諾將在未來五年內新增6萬個教職。

The next French revolution could dethrone homework. French President François Hollande vowed to end homework on Tuesday, but his rationale does not involve improving "la bonne vie" for France's children.

Socialist Hollande worries that privileged children benefit from parental assistance on take-home assignments and that disadvantaged children do not.

"An education program is, by definition, a societal program. Work should be done at school, rather than at home," Hollande said at La Sorbonne in Paris last week.

Although students will likely celebrate the axing of homework, they might lament Hollande's plan extend the school week from four days to 4 ½ days. Schools will dismiss children earlier than they already do most days and after lunchtime on the extra day, but the planned schedule is not without criticism.

"It's completely unrealistic," said Valerie Marty, president of the national parents' organization.

Despite their short weeks and long summer vacations, French students currently spend more time in the classroom than many other nations. A French school day typically lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Notwithstanding their annual average of 847 school hours, France ranks below most nearby European countries, as well as the United States, on international tests, according to The Associated Press. This has prompted a desire for restructuring.

Hollande's extensive education reform plans include increasing financial aid while combating truancy. He also intends to provide incentives for teachers in difficult area, according to France 24.

Hollande's predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy, cut tens of thousands of teaching jobs. Hollande promised to employ around 60,000 in the next five years.