By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is grappling with a profound education crisis, according to the Tenth State of Education Report released by the National Council of Rectors (CONARE). The report paints a stark picture of unresolved structural issues, an “educational blackout” between 2018 and 2022, and erratic management, all contributing to a decline in quality and equity within the system.
The report highlights a particularly alarming drop in PISA math scores. Costa Rica fell from 402 points in 2018 to 385 in 2022, placing the country among the lowest performers in Latin America. This decline underscores the severity of the challenges facing the nation’s education system.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal ramifications of the ongoing education crisis, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica with expertise in educational law and policy.
The current education crisis in Costa Rica presents a significant challenge, not only from a social and developmental perspective, but also from a legal standpoint. The constitutional guarantee of the right to education necessitates a robust and effective response from the government. While budget constraints and resource allocation are undoubtedly factors, the legal framework mandates prioritizing education spending and ensuring equitable access for all citizens. This requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing not only funding, but also teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure improvements. Failure to adequately address these issues can potentially lead to legal challenges, asserting violations of fundamental rights and demanding greater governmental accountability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the critical intersection of legal obligation and practical necessity in addressing Costa Rica’s education crisis. His emphasis on the constitutional right to education underscores the urgency of the situation and the potential for legal ramifications if meaningful action is not taken. This multifaceted approach, encompassing funding, teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure improvements, offers a roadmap for navigating this complex challenge and ensuring that all Costa Rican citizens have access to the quality education they deserve. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this crucial issue.
Six years ago, we said our education was trapped in a cage of inertia. In 2021, we spoke of an educational blackout, and in 2023, of a second-class education. Today, Costa Rica continues to experience a serious educational crisis.
Isabel Román Vega, Report Coordinator
The report identifies five key failures in the management of the education system that have exacerbated the decline. These include instability in leveling plans, abandonment of the digital strategy, elimination of the sexuality education program, issues with the FEES (Special Fund for Higher Education) negotiations, and lack of control over private universities. The shift from the Comprehensive Academic Leveling Plan (PINA) to various testing schemes, and eventually delegating diagnostics to under-equipped teachers, exemplifies the instability plaguing the system.
The suspension of educational device distribution in 2022, coupled with the dismantling of the Bicentennial Educational Network and the termination of the agreement with the Omar Dengo Foundation in 2023, has left digital education adrift. Furthermore, the replacement of the Affectivity and Sexuality Program with a technically unsound alternative lacking essential sexual education content raises serious concerns.
The ongoing difficulties with the FEES negotiations have hampered strategic planning and created constant conflict. Meanwhile, changes in CONESUP regulations have facilitated the opening of international universities without adequate supervision or quality control, further jeopardizing the integrity of the Costa Rican education system.
The report offers six urgent priorities for addressing the crisis: increasing educational investment, focusing efforts on reducing learning poverty, improving evaluation systems, strengthening the governance of the education system, promoting local management, and guaranteeing university achievement.
Following the report’s release, the Dean’s Office of the Center for Research and Teaching in Education (Cide-UNA) called for a national agreement on education that transcends political cycles and unites all sectors.
This data challenges us as a nation. A comprehensive and sustained national strategy is urgently needed, one that brings together the State, universities, families, and society.
Susana Jiménez Sánchez, Vice Dean of Cide
Jiménez Sánchez also acknowledged the role that teacher training universities must play and expressed support for teachers, recognizing their work in challenging circumstances. The statement concluded with a call for national unity, foresight, and historical responsibility, emphasizing that education is the foundation of democracy, equity, and human development.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CONARE
About CONARE:
The National Council of Rectors (CONARE) is the governing body for Costa Rica’s public universities. It plays a crucial role in coordinating higher education policies and ensuring quality standards across institutions.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cide-UNA
About Cide-UNA:
The Center for Research and Teaching in Education (Cide-UNA), part of the National University of Costa Rica (UNA), is a leading institution dedicated to research and training in education. It contributes significantly to educational policy and practice in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of MEP
About MEP:
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) is the government body responsible for managing and regulating the public education system in Costa Rica, encompassing primary and secondary education.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, distinguished by its profound commitment to ethical practice and innovative solutions. The firm’s long history of service spans a diverse clientele, reflecting its adaptability and deep understanding of the legal landscape. Beyond providing exceptional legal counsel, Bufete de Costa Rica actively empowers communities through accessible legal education initiatives, fostering a more informed and just society.
