CRUCH values the Executive's openness to dialogue on the FES and warns of risks in initial teacher training

31/07/2025
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  • CRUCH values the Executive's openness to dialogue on the FES and warns of risks in initial teacher training
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Santiago, July 31, 2025. The Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), in its plenary session today, discussed the requirements for making the Bill creating the new Higher Education Financing (FES) instrument viable. It also addressed the urgent need to strengthen initial teacher training in the country and the potential effects of implementing new qualification requirements for teacher training programs.

CRUCH Requirements for the FES Project

Within the framework of the analysis of the Bill that creates the new FES financing instrument, the CRUCH (Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities) supported its progress in the legislative process and established necessary conditions to control uncertainties in the transition to the new model. Among these, the following stand out:

  • Expand the possibility of a differentiated tariff for students in deciles 7, 8 and 9.
  • Incorporate the option of partial financing through FES, allowing families to make contributions during the course of studies.
  • Establish by law the deadlines for the transfer of state resources to institutions, ensuring their timeliness.
  • Establish certainty in the future calculation of regulated tariffs, guaranteeing their stability by law.
  • Make the use of the FES mandatory for students with free tuition once the nominal duration of the degree has been completed.
  • Extend FES coverage for extended course durations to all students, with appropriate complementary mechanisms.
  • Expand the FES collection system to include all student loans granted by higher education institutions.
  • Allow universities to set the number of FES beneficiaries at their institutions.
  • Limit future contributions from graduates to avoid excessive charges.

 

Initial teacher training: a warning about regional and social impacts

The CRUCH reaffirmed its commitment to the “Agreement for the Future of Teacher Training in Chile”, The agreement, signed jointly with the Ministry of Education, highlighted the need to implement specific and targeted programs. Among the proposed measures, the following were emphasized:

  • Legislative adjustments to admission requirements to ensure the provision of teachers in strategic and territorial areas.

  • A National Talent Acquisition Program, with state funding and cross-cutting quality standards.

  • Strengthening teacher training programs and reformulating the National Diagnostic Assessment (END).

  • The creation of a National Qualification Plan for teaching.

  • The implementation of a National Teacher Retention Program, with mentoring and support in the first years of practice.

During the session, simulations were presented showing the decline in first-year enrollment in teacher training programs, according to the Department of Educational Evaluation, Measurement, and Registration (DEMRE) at the University of Chile. The estimates indicate that, if the new requirements are implemented, the number of students admitted to teacher training programs could be reduced by almost half, and the number of programs with full enrollment could fall by more than three-quarters. During the plenary session, university rectors discussed the risk to the sustainability of teacher training programs nationwide and the impact on regional and social inequalities, especially in the country's most remote areas.

 

Incorporation of Rector Solange Tenorio into the CRUCH Pedagogy Commission

During the plenary session, the incorporation of the Rector was also highlighted. Solange Tenorio Eitel (UMCE) to the CRUCH Pedagogy Commission, which also includes the Rector Nelson Vasquez (PUCV) and the Rector Carlos González (UPLA). Rector Tenorio, a specialist in Special Education and a teacher researcher in educational diversity and leadership at CONFAUCE, recently assumed the position of highest authority at her university.