School Improvements in Response to Pisa Results
The Pisa test results have sparked strong reactions in Bavaria, with Markus Söder, the CSU's Minister President, calling the performance drop a "slap in Germany's face". The opposition, teachers, and business leaders all agree - changes are needed in our schools to improve education.
Gabriele Triebel, the Green Party's education policy spokesperson in the state parliament, argues that if measures had been taken earlier, German students would be more successful today. She advocates for more teachers, contemporary teaching methods, quality all-day education, and multi-disciplinary teams to provide every child an equal start.
Education Minister Anna Stolz, from the Freie Wähler, vows to combat the decline in Bavarian school performance, even though the initial Pisa results pertain to Germany as a whole. She pledges to incorporate scientific discoveries to strengthen basic skills more effectively in the future, promising to expand existing initiatives and introduce new ones.
Her focus will be on supporting children with a migration background in learning to read, highlighting the importance of this skill for academic success, a viable career, and social participation.
Michael Schwägerl, the Chairman of the Bavarian Philologists' Association, warns against merely taking note of studies without actively addressing the issue. Poor reading skills, which serve as the foundation for success in school and later in life, are particularly concerning due to their continued decline.
Bertram Brossardt, the Bavarian Business Association's Managing Director, emphasizes the necessity of action. "We must provide high-quality and individualized learning opportunities across all school types," he states, stressing the importance of international competitiveness as an educational and business location in the long term.
Initiatives Currently Underway in Bavaria
The Bavarian Ministry of Education, along with other stakeholders, is taking several measures to improve the education system in Bavaria. Although the Pisa results specific to Bavaria are not detailed in the available sources, some of the actions mentioned include:
- Updated German Language Tests for Kita Children:
- The Bavarian state government has expanded obligatory tests assessing German language skills among children approaching school age. The aim is to ensure that children develop a solid base in German language competency before starting formal education.
- General Education Reforms:
- The CDU in Germany, which includes Bavaria, has proposed several education reforms in their campaign platform. These initiatives focus on simplifying student financial aid applications, strengthening research institutions, promoting technology-centered universities, and fostering diverse and neutral media outlets.
- Implementing Competency Development:
- The New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform, being implemented in parts of Germany, focuses on development of essential competencies through active and engaging pedagogy, aiming to ensure students are prepared for future careers.
These initiatives indicate a multifaceted approach to enhancing education in Bavaria, focusing on language competency, curriculum standardization, and competency development for students' future success.
