Article 27 of the 1978 Constitution: Education Rights

Article 27 of the 1978 Constitution

1. Everyone has the right to education. Freedom of teaching is recognized.

2. Education shall be directed toward the full development of the human personality, based on respect for democratic principles of coexistence and fundamental rights and freedoms.

3. Public authorities guarantee the right of parents to ensure their children receive religious and moral instruction in accordance with their own convictions.

4. Elementary education is compulsory and free.

5. Public authorities guarantee the right of everyone to education through general educational planning, with the effective participation of all affected sectors and educational establishments.

6. The freedom of individuals and legal entities to establish educational centers is recognized, in compliance with constitutional principles.

7. Teachers, parents, and, where appropriate, students shall participate in the control and management of all centers supported by the administration with public funds, under terms established by law.

8. Public authorities shall inspect and standardize the educational system to ensure compliance with the law.

9. Public authorities shall provide assistance to schools that meet the requirements established by law.

10. The autonomy of universities is recognized under terms established by law.

Evolution of Spanish Educational Legislation

• LOEC (1980): Focused on ideology and multiple centers. Established the first structure of governing bodies and joint participation in the election of the director.
• LRU (1983): Conceived the university as a public service, introduced a departmental structure, and defined categories of professors.
• LODE (1985): Repealed the LOEC. Incorporated concepts of plural centers, public and private middle-class education, and a new formulation of governing bodies (single-person and collegiate). Established the School Board as an organ of participation in the election of the director.
• LOGSE (1990): Introduced a new structure of education while maintaining the principles of the LODE. As a result of these changes, the LOPAGCD (1995) was enacted to further define participation.
• LOCE (2002) & LOE (2006): These acts retrieved previous philosophies while introducing new contributions to the educational framework.