"Scrapping the 'Constitutional Half Hour' for Other Subjects' Sake?"
The plan to introduce a 'constitutional half hour' in Bavarian schools, proposed by the CSU and Free Voters, faces an uncertain future. According to Munich's Ministry of Education, the concept is under development for the 2023/2024 academic year. No concrete timeline for implementation has been announced yet. The initiative aims to test the concept starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, with no jeopardizing of other lessons' time.
The coalition agreement has outlined a shift in priority towards instilling constitutional values in schools in the face of growing populist and extremist pressures. The proposed 'constitutional half hour' involves practical discussions of the Bavarian Constitution and the German Basic Law, and constitutional principles.
Education Minister Anna Stolz expressed concerns about the rise of anti-Semitic and extremist views, stressing the importance of schools as a platform for influencing young minds. She envisions a 'lively, open concept' that remains current and offers multiple design possibilities.
To date, only the plan's announcement existence is confirmed. The ministry has suggested that legislative changes might not be necessary for implementation and a regulatory decree may suffice.
The Ministry dismissed concerns about the regular cancellation of 'constitutional half hours' due to teacher absenteeism. Instead, the plan is to involve teachers from all subjects in addressing constitutional values. The Ministry pledged to create an adaptable and flexible concept enabling continuity in the absence of a regular teacher.
The 'constitutional half hour' aims to harmoniously integrate into the various subjects offered by Bavarian schools without reducing lesson duration. Subjects such as religion, German, foreign languages, and political education like history and law could address constitutional values, including human dignity, children's rights, and freedom of opinion.
Assurances of no lesson time reduction and the proposed collaboration with teachers from all subjects imply that the introduction of the 'constitutional half hour' will not negatively impact other subjects.
