MEN accused of spying on families. The ministry spokesperson responded to the allegations
The Polish Ministry of Education is facing accusations of potential family surveillance due to its new functional assessment of students, which critics argue could lead to the collection of sensitive family data.
The Polish Ministry of National Education (MEN) is implementing a functional assessment for students in schools aimed at better understanding individual educational needs and abilities. This initiative is intended to enhance the teaching process by taking into account not only academic performance but also how students function in various areas of their lives. However, this approach has sparked significant controversy on social media, with some critics, including the Ordo Iuris Institute, suggesting that the functional assessment could lead to the surveillance of families and the collection of sensitive information about their personal situations.
In response to the backlash, Ewelina Gorczyca, a spokesperson for MEN, defended the initiative during an interview with the Polish Press Agency. She clarified that the functional assessment is not designed to infringe on family privacy or to gather intrusive data. Instead, it aims to foster a supportive educational environment by recognizing diverse student needs and facilitating appropriate teaching strategies. Gorczyca emphasized that any allegations of surveillance are unfounded and misrepresent the purpose of the assessment.
This controversy highlights a growing concern among parents and civil rights advocates regarding the potential implications of educational policies on family privacy. As the discussion unfolds, it raises important questions about the balance between necessary educational assessments and the protection of personal family information in Poland's educational system.