The Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) concluded its First Pedagogical Congress with the approval of 69 proposals arising from intense debates among 500 delegates from across the country. This event, held on April 13 and 14 under the motto “Dominican Education Conceived From the Teaching Profession,” addressed six key thematic axes, including the educational model and citizenship training.
Elimination of automatic promotion: a radical change
Among the highlighted 69 proposals, teachers demanded the elimination of automatic promotion for students. They argue that this practice weakens academic standards and fosters complacency, prioritizing grades over actual learning. Instead, they propose a transformed evaluation system that emphasizes competencies such as critical thinking, digital skills, and financial literacy, areas where the current system shows serious deficiencies.
The president of the ADP, Eduardo Hidalgo, submitted all 69 proposals to a vote and announced that they will be compiled into a public document for all of Dominican society. This measure seeks to push for structural reforms within the Ministry of Education.
Historical context and criticisms of the educational system
Automatic promotion has been controversial in the Dominican Republic for years. Implemented during the pandemic to prevent dropout rates, studies by the Ministry of Education reveal that 40% of high school students lack basic competencies in math and reading, according to 2025 annual reports. International experiences, such as its abolition in Spain since 2003, show improvements in performance upon restoring numerical grades and selective repetition for multiple failures.
Other key 69 proposals for transformation
- Strengthens the teaching career: Continuous training, job stability, and dignified conditions for teachers as a pillar of the public system.
- Family-school connection: Programs with parental workshops, effective communication, and consequences for family non-compliance.
- Preparation for the 21st century: Focus on socio-emotional and scientific competencies, acknowledging current shortcomings.
These 69 proposals also refer two additional ones to the National Executive Committee. Consulted educational experts agree that eliminating automatic promotion could raise educational quality, aligning with global trends that prioritize effective learning over mechanical advancement.
The Dominican teaching staff insists: without these changes, the preparation of youth for real challenges will remain inadequate. The 69 proposals represent an urgent call to national action.