BXBX NOVEL Chapter 162 Napoleon's Proposed Education Reform
A month had passed since Napoleon took office at the Palace of Versailles. As the head of state, he had seamlessly adapted to his new workplace, fully immersed in the daily affairs of managing the state. Today was no different; he was engrossed in reviewing important documents when Beaumont entered the office and quietly positioned himself to the side of the door.
"The Minister of Interior," Beaumont announced, and without delay, Lucien, the Minister, promptly entered Napoleon\'s office.
Napoleon glanced up from his work, his piercing gaze meeting Lucien\'s. He acknowledged the Minister\'s presence with a nod, signaling for him to come over.
"Lucien, my brother. I have been waiting for you," Napoleon said, gesturing to him to take a seat.
Lucien took his seat and straightened himself. He looked around his office for a moment before speaking. "This office sure is huge."
"I agree," Napoleon concurred as he set down the document he was reading. "How are you faring as the Minister of Interior?"
Lucien let out a faint smile, seemingly amused by the enormity of the office he now occupied. "It is quite a change from my previous responsibilities, but I\'m settling in well."
"Good, because I have something you would work on," Napoleon said as he reached to the drawer of his desk, and pulled out a file.
Lucien looked at it curiously, wondering what it contained. Napoleon handed it over to him.
"What\'s this?" Lucien flipped the file open and began reading the contents. Inside was a draft for a new proposed education system in France.
"I\'m planning on reforming the education system," Napoleon revealed. "And given your position as the Minister of Interior, you are the one, you are the one I trust to oversee the implementation of this reform once passed from the senate."
"Education…reform," Lucien repeated.
"Brother, what do you know about our current educational system?" Napoleon asked.
Lucien hummed in thought, coming up with an answer. "Let\'s see, it\'s decentralized, fragmented, not standardize, and only the privileged only have access to education."
"You are right, and I want to change that," Napoleon said.
During the ancien regime, education was largely reserved for the privileged classes, such as the aristocracy, clergy, and wealthy bourgeoisie. Nobles and high-ranking individuals received exclusive opportunities for private tutoring or attendance at elite schools, while the common people faced significant limitations in accessing formal education. Notably, the Catholic Church played a major role in education, particularly in rural areas, where religious institutions ran many schools and incorporated religious teachings into the curriculum.
A prominent issue during that period was the lack of uniformity in the educational system. Across the country, there was no standardized curriculum or cohesive educational framework. Each region and local community followed its own educational practices, leading to disparities in both the quality and content of the education provided.
The lower classes, especially in rural areas, had limited access to education due to the scarcity of public schools. Consequently, numerous children were deprived of any formal education, perpetuating social inequality and hindering social mobility.
The educational focus for the privileged elites centered heavily on classical studies, Latin, and Greek literature, with little emphasis on practical subjects or modern sciences. This excessive emphasis on classical knowledge constrained the acquisition of practical skills and knowledge necessary for societal progress and development.
Opportunities for social mobility through education were scarce, as access to education and career prospects were largely determined by one\'s birth and social status. The education system thus entrenched privileges for the elite, creating significant barriers for individuals from less privileged backgrounds to improve their socio-economic standing.
Furthermore, inadequate teacher training and qualifications led to varying teaching quality among educators. The lack of proper preparation for teachers contributed to inconsistencies in the educational experience of students across different schools.
Basically, the monarchical government of France played a limited role in education. Education was primarily considered the responsibility of the Church and local authorities rather than a centralized government effort, which was something he wanted to change.
The idea was not entirely novel, as the revolutionary government had already initiated some significant changes to the education system in France. The revolutionaries firmly believed in the power of education, aiming to create an enlightened and informed citizenry while breaking away from the exclusive and religiously-dominated education of the Old Regime.
So they embarked on a mission to centralize the education system, paving the way for the establishment of public schools. They introduced compulsory education and trained teachers. It was a good reform but it failed. The reason? The revolution itself.
Revolutionary governments frequently came and went within a short span of time, which hindered the implementation and continuity of their education reforms. Education reform was a must for Napoleon, as he wanted to build a modern state.
Napoleon\'s plan of education was simple. Just like the revolutionary government, he too would centralize the education system, aiming to create a more unified and standardized approach to education across France. His ultimate goal was to build a modern and enlightened society, where education was accessible to all citizens regardless of their social background.
The French educational system went like this. The first stage was primary education. In this stage, children as early as age three attended kindergarten where they were taught the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. This early childhood education was crucial in laying the foundation for their intellectual growth and nurturing their curiosity about the world. At the age of six, children entered primary school, which consisted of five years of comprehensive education in various subjects, including language, mathematics, history, geography, and sciences.
After successfully completing primary education, students progressed to the next stage - secondary education. At this level, Napoleon\'s envisioned network of lycées came into play. These lycées were prestigious institutions open to students based on merit and performance, rather than social status. Entrance exams determined admission, ensuring that the most talented and dedicated students had the opportunity to attend.
In the lycées, students engaged in a more advanced and rigorous curriculum. They delved deeper into humanities, sciences, mathematics, history, literature, and foreign languages, receiving a well-rounded and intellectually stimulating education.
After the lycée, they were now in higher education. Students had a choice to pursue either a vocational diploma or an academic degree. This choice allowed them to specialize in their areas of interest and aptitude. Those who opted for vocational diplomas received practical training in various trades, equipping them with valuable skills to contribute to the nation\'s workforce and economy.
On the other hand, students who chose the academic path had the opportunity to attend prestigious universities and specialized academies. These institutions offered in-depth and advanced studies in fields like engineering, philosophy, law, literature, arts, and medicine.
To ensure that education remained accessible to all, Napoleon introduced a system of scholarships and financial aid for deserving students. This initiative aimed to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education, making it possible for talented individuals from modest backgrounds to have equal opportunities for academic excellence.
Of course, none of this would have worked without teachers to teach the students. As part of his education reform, he sought to elevate the status of teachers and improve their training.
He would set up a comprehensive teacher training program, ensuring that all educators received proper qualifications and professional development. To attract the best and brightest to the teaching profession, he would introduce competitive salaries and benefits for teachers. This would incentivize talented individuals to pursue a career in education, further raising the standard of teaching in the country.
Aside from the education reforms, Napoleon planned on introducing modern concepts to this world. Just like how he introduced the concept of thermodynamics, he would introduce major concepts in specialized fields. For example, in the field of medicine, Napoleon envisioned the establishment of specialized medical practitioners. He sought to introduce the concept of "specialists," doctors who would focus on specific areas of medical expertise. During the 1800s, medical practice was often more general, with physicians handling a wide range of medical conditions and treatments.
Another example would be a pharmacy, where he would introduce modern pharmaceutical concepts and practices. One that would make those who take the field to be adept at making drugs.
In the field of engineering, there would also be specialization. Civil, mechanical, marine, chemical, industrial, and electrical engineering would become distinct disciplines.
And to top it all, those who graduated from higher education in those fields would be granted a license, officially recognizing them as qualified professionals in their respective areas of specialization. Only those with a valid license could practice as doctors, engineers, pharmacists, and other specialized professionals, ensuring a high standard of expertise and competence across the nation.
But what would happen to those who are already architects, engineers, and scientists should the reform pass? Well, Napoleon had a simple solution for that as well. Certification and recognition.
He would establish a transitional period during which experienced individuals from different fields would apply for certification that would have stringent criteria to evaluate their expertise. Napoleon understood that abruptly dismissing the existing professionals from their roles would cause disruption and potentially undermine the nation\'s progress. Therefore, he opted for a pragmatic approach to ensure a smooth transition while still upholding high standards.
Thirty minutes later.
"So, what do you think of the new education system brother?" Napoleon asked.
"I\'d say your approach is good brother. But this reform is going to increase my workload if passed. I suggest you create a new ministry that will oversee the implementation of the education reform," Lucien replied.
Napoleon nodded in agreement, appreciating his brother\'s insight. "You are right. This reform is a significant undertaking, and it deserves its own dedicated ministry. You will help me with this okay?"
"Of course, brother," Lucien assured.
As they were having a conversation, another person entered. Lucien and Napoleon turned their faces toward that person, and they recognized the person.
"Madame Bonaparte," Lucien greeted.
"Oh, you were in the middle of a conversation with your Minister of Interior," Ciela said. "I\'ll return…"
"No," Napoleon stopped her in her tracks. "My brother and I just finished discussing. What is it, darling?"
"Uhm," Ciela walked over to him and handed him a document.
Napoleon grabbed the document and perused the contents. A satisfied smile crept on his face as Ciela had finally gathered the engineers and architects for his major construction projects.
"Lucien, review the education reform that I just gave you and send it to the Council of State for them to propose," Napoleon ordered.
"Consider it done, brother," Lucien said, rising to his feet. He turned to Ciela and bowed.