As the new academic year starts in Iran, nearly 800,000 students have not returned to school, highlighting a deepening crisis in the country's education system. Around 890,000 students have not ordered their textbooks, and out of this group, 790,000 have not registered for school. Even for those who have registered, the fate of 100,000 students remains uncertain as they haven't applied for textbooks.
With over 16 million students expected to attend school this year, this large-scale absenteeism points to significant challenges. Iran’s education system is plagued by structural issues, including unequal access to resources, a widening gap between public and private schools, and a critical shortage of teachers. These issues have led to an alarming rise in dropout rates.
Challenges in Rural and Disadvantaged Areas
Rural and underprivileged schools face extreme difficulties, with many lacking basic educational facilities. Dangerous roads and inadequate infrastructure make it difficult for students to attend classes, raising concerns about academic equity. Provinces like Sistan and Baluchistan are particularly affected, where success rates are among the lowest in the country.
A 2023 report showed that during the 2021-2022 academic year, nearly 11% of primary school students did not complete their studies. In Sistan and Baluchistan, only 75% of students finished their coursework, and 12% of high school students failed to pass their final exams.
Teacher Shortages and Deteriorating Public Schools
One of the main factors contributing to this crisis is the severe shortage of teachers. Overcrowded classrooms, especially in disadvantaged areas, have become common. The Ministry of Education has resorted to rehiring retired teachers and recruiting unmotivated educators. Low wages and lack of incentives have led to protests, further dampening the morale of teachers.
Meanwhile, public school students struggle with limited resources, while private schools charge high fees and offer better educational opportunities. This disparity has worsened educational inequality, leaving many students behind.
Economic and Political Pressures
The education system also faces political pressures, with increasing repression of teachers and educators. Union activities have led to many teachers being expelled or demoted. Additionally, frequent changes to school curricula to reflect state ideology have further undermined the quality of education, making it harder for teachers to keep up and reducing student performance.
Declining Student Performance
The impact of these issues is clear in the declining academic performance of Iranian students. The average GPA has fallen to 11.5, and the number of public school students passing the national university entrance exam has dropped significantly. Only 7% of top-ranked students in the 2024 exam came from public schools, with just two students from the top 30 attending public institutions.
This ongoing educational crisis underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent further decline and ensure that millions of students are not left behind.
