Germany performs unsatisfactorily in international school performance studies. However, our knowledge- and research-based high-tech economy needs a high level of education. The goal of schools must be to ensure that all young people successfully complete their education and are ready for vocational training or university studies. This requires the implementation of nationwide educational standards, good teaching quality, high-quality teacher training and continuing education, and viable local networks.
Ensure training readiness
Around 20 percent do not reach the minimum level for a good start in training at the end of compulsory education (PISA study 2018). Companies are finding not only deficiencies in content, but also behavioral deficits and a lack of vocational orientation among applicants for apprenticeships. All young people should be able to graduate from high school, receive a basic education that enables them to continue their education, and develop their talents in the best possible way. We need all young people in Germany.
Modern teaching
More use must be made of the activating forms of independent learning, differentiation within the group and interdisciplinary teaching. Young people must be educated - in cooperation with parents - to become independent, responsible personalities with self-confidence and the ability to work in a team. More all-day schools are needed to further improve individual support for students.
Use digitization
Digital education is becoming increasingly important. The "Strategy for Education in the Digital World" of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs and the updated standards for teacher training must be implemented quickly. From the beginning of their training, teachers must learn how to use digital media and tools didactically in all subjects. The BDA also calls for this in its position paper on teacher training.
Create inclusion and integration
We support the goal of an inclusive school according to the principle of "as much common ground as possible, as much special support as necessary". Priority is given to the inclusion of children and young people with disabilities or disadvantages in mainstream education. Where special support needs cannot be accommodated, automatic inclusion does not make sense. Therefore, special schools must continue to be offered. Children from educationally disadvantaged families or with a migration background often have additional support needs. Above all, systematic language support, as early as possible, is crucial for the integration of both newly arrived and longer-established migrant children. More than in the past, vocational orientation should highlight the opportunities offered by dual training.
Adequately train teachers and managers
Teachers play a key role in the quality of educational work. For their responsible and demanding tasks, they need high-quality, practice-oriented training and continuing education. School administrators also need to be adequately prepared for their tasks through qualification programs in school management, leadership and personnel development.
Giving schools more autonomy
Schools should be able to form their own profile, select teachers, conclude contracts, cooperate with partners and manage their budget. The independent school systematically reviews the quality of its services and continues to improve. The education administration must advise the schools in this process in the best sense of a service provider. The allocation of resources to the school should be based on head count rather than class size and on a social index for schools with more difficult conditions.
Partnership school - business
The SCHULEWIRTSCHAFT network promotes exchange between schools and companies in order to smooth the transition from school to work for young people. The nearly 400 local networks facilitate company internships for students and teachers alike, company explorations, advanced training and direct cooperation. The Berufswahl-SIEGEL (Career Choice Seal) is awarded to schools that provide outstanding career and study guidance.
Teamassistenz | Walter-Raymond-Stiftung / Institut für Sozial- und Wirtschaftspolitische Ausbildung Team Assistant | Walter Raymond Foundation / Institute of Societal and Social Policy Training