Spanish Education System Overview: LOE Explained
Spanish Education System under the LOE
Student Registration
Student registration follows a specific procedure. Changes to this procedure will not take effect until the next academic year’s admission and enrollment process is complete. Post-compulsory education follows a unique structure. The budget per student is determined annually by the State and Autonomous Communities, covering teacher salaries, other expenses, and variable costs (seniority, substitutions, leadership roles, etc.). Teacher remuneration will gradually align with public school teachers.
Teacher Roles and Requirements under the LOE
Early Childhood Education
- First Cycle (0-3 years): Teachers specializing in early childhood education, and other qualified staff as needed.
- Second Cycle (3-6 years): Teachers with a Master’s degree specializing in early childhood education, possibly supported by teachers in other specialties.
Primary Education (6-12 years)
- Primary education teachers.
- Specialized teachers for music, physical education, foreign languages, and other subjects determined by the government.
Compulsory Secondary Education and High School (12-18 years)
- Teachers with relevant education and graduate-level teaching qualifications.
Vocational Training
- Same requirements as Secondary Education and High School, with possible exceptions for specialized teachers and professionals with workplace experience (not necessarily graduates).
Art and Sport Education
- Teachers with relevant qualifications, with possible exceptions for professionals active in sports or the arts.
Language Education
- Same requirements as Secondary Education teachers, with possible exceptions for non-graduate native speakers.
Adult Education
- Qualifications specific to the subject matter.
Initial Teacher Training
- In addition to general requirements, teachers must have pedagogical training as determined by the government.
Lifelong Learning
- A right and obligation for all staff, with responsibility shared by educational authorities and schools.
Education Stages under the LOE
Early Childhood Education (0-6 years)
- Two stages: 0-3 years (voluntary) and 3-6 years (voluntary and educational).
- Focus on physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.
- The second cycle (3-6 years) will be free and promote foreign language exposure.
- Emphasis on early literacy, numeracy, ICT skills, and visual and musical expression.
Primary Education (6-12 years)
- Six academic years.
- Focus on artistic, verbal, emotional, and creative development, basic cultural knowledge, and work/study habits.
- Integration of diverse learning experiences and adaptation to student needs.
- Subjects: Knowledge of the cultural, social, and natural world, Arts Education, Physical Education, Spanish Language and Literature (or official regional language), Foreign Language, and Mathematics.
- Education for Citizenship and Human Rights is added in one of the 3rd cycle courses (4th, 5th, or 6th grade).
- A second foreign language may be added by educational authorities.
- Daily reading time allocated.
- One grade repetition allowed.
- Diagnostic assessment of basic skills in 4th grade.
- Individualized reports in 6th grade and coordination with the next educational stage.
- Tutorial guidance throughout the educational process.
Secondary Education (12-16 years)
- Four academic years.
- Emphasis on educational and vocational guidance.
- Curriculum adjustments, flexible grouping, optional subjects, enrichment programs, and specific programs for students with special needs.
- Reading time allocated in all subjects.
Schools under the LOE
- Public and private schools (including privately-funded, publicly-subsidized schools).
- Public education provided through both public and private schools.
- Schools must meet accessibility standards.
- Various school types: nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools, art schools, conservatories, and special education schools.
- Schools with higher proportions of students with special needs receive additional resources.