What changes occurred in Mallorca's educational policies after the end of Franco’s regime in the late 1970s?

After the end of Franco’s regime in the late 1970s, Mallorca, like the rest of Spain, underwent significant educational reforms that reflected the broader democratic transition taking place across the country. Under Franco, education had been tightly controlled by the central government, with a strong emphasis on uniformity, Catholic values, and the Castilian Spanish language. However, after his death in 1975 and the subsequent establishment of a democratic constitution in 1978, Mallorca experienced a shift toward decentralization and cultural recognition within its educational system. This transition allowed the Balearic Islands to regain control over many aspects of education, fostering policies that celebrated local identity and language.

One of the most notable changes was the introduction and promotion of the Catalan language, which is co-official in Mallorca along with Spanish. During Franco’s rule, the use of regional languages in public institutions, including schools, was severely restricted. The post-Franco educational policies reversed this trend by integrating Catalan as a medium of instruction and as a subject taught in schools. This move was part of a broader push to revive Mallorcan culture and heritage, encouraging pride in the local language and traditions. These reforms also included revising curricula to be more inclusive and reflective of regional history rather than solely emphasizing a centralized Spanish narrative.

In addition to linguistic and cultural policy changes, Mallorca’s educational reforms embraced democratic values, modern pedagogical approaches, and greater accessibility. Compulsory education was expanded, and efforts were made to improve the quality of instruction through teacher training and updated teaching materials. The governance of schools also became more participatory, with increased involvement from local communities and educators in decisions affecting education. Overall, these changes helped to create a more pluralistic and inclusive educational environment in Mallorca, aligning with the principles of Spain’s new democratic era and contributing to the island’s cultural renaissance.