Modernization of Schooling Law in Progress: Saxony-Anhalt Advancing Towards Contemporary Education
"Gotta love the new schoollaw, y'all!" That's what they're singing in Magdeburg/MB these days. The government of Saxony-Anhalt has just given education a kickstart with their latest amendments to the school law. And Minister Eva Feußner couldn't be more proud. She declared it a game-changer for creating a modern, efficient, and progressive educational landscape.
Here's what's different:
- Borderline School Survival Small schools, especially in rural areas, will get a lifeline thanks to the new law. They'll have the green light to merge with others, forming a stronger educational network for their communities. To ensure a well-balanced and sustainable school landscape, the law sets minimum grade requirements for school forms during the initial year.
- Ditching Schools: Dropout Prevention The law intends to reduce dropout rates by integrating dual learning programs. Innovative projects like "Productive Learning" and the "Practical Day" aim to help more youngsters get a school-leaving certificate and jumpstart their careers through vocational training. Furthermore, schools will be allowed to share data about students without a specific career path to employment agencies, which can then provide them with personalized assistance to avoid getting left behind.
- Boosting the Educator's Bench For the first time, the school law introduces the new role of "Education Instructional Assistants." These specialists will take up supportive roles and strengthen multiprofessional teams within schools. The law also paves the way for lateral entrants to be recognized as teaching staff after successful certification and years of experience, in response to the ongoing teacher shortage.
- Byte-Sized Learning The law clarifies the use of digital teaching and learning methods for the first time. In extreme cases, digital platforms can even replace in-person teaching. This prepares schools for the digital age and for the demands of the 21st century.
- Health and Order in the Classroom School safety gets a boost. Students who pose a threat will face temporary expulsions of up to three months if necessary. An evaluation by a medical professional is mandatory for these cases, and youth welfare services are notified accordingly. Furthermore, a system has been established for students with health restrictions to receive reduced teaching loads when needed. Schools remain actively involved in these instances.
- Keepin' Track Central class tests can now be conducted for a broader range of grades and subjects, making learning outcomes more comparable and enabling targeted support measures.
Minister Feußner sealed it with these words: "We're laying the foundation for a modern, efficient, and just educational landscape in Saxony-Anhalt. Not just for the future of our children and young adults, but for the future of our country too. My hats off to everyone who's been working diligently on this crucial reform!"
It seems education spending is high on Saxony-Anhalt's agenda, with the state focusing its budget on the development of schools. With students in neighboring regions enjoying their six-week summer holidays as of June 27th, students in Saxony-Anhalt eagerly await the effects of this new law.
The new school law in Saxony-Anhalt is set to improve not only the educational landscape but also the health of its students. To address the rising concern about students with health issues, the law establishes a system for students with health restrictions to receive reduced teaching loads when necessary.
In addition to the educational aspects, the law also touches upon politics, addressing the issue of school safety by implementing temporary expulsions for students who pose a threat, with a mandatory medical evaluation and youth welfare service notification. This move signifies a broader approach to schooling, encompassing education-and-self-development, politics, and general-news.
