Dominican Evangelical Alliance Calls for National Education Reform

The Dominican Evangelical Alliance (AEDO) has issued a formal call for a national response to address declining student performance in the Dominican Republic. This appeal follows the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, which indicated that only 9% of assessed students in the country reached minimum proficiency in mathematics, 23% in reading, and 26% in science. AEDO President Bishop Reynaldo Franco Aquino described these findings as a serious warning regarding the nation's future.

To improve educational outcomes, the organization proposed a comprehensive strategy including the strengthening of basic skills, enhanced teacher training, and increased family involvement. AEDO also highlighted a decline in student motivation and curiosity, noting that the percentage of students willing to persevere through difficult tasks has dropped significantly since 2022.

Furthermore, the alliance addressed the impact of digital technology on learning. While acknowledging the benefits of digital access, the group urged authorities to regulate cellphone use during school hours to prevent distractions. They recommended implementing programs focused on digital responsibility and critical thinking to ensure that technology supports, rather than replaces, deep reflection and independent study.