New School Year Brings Shifts in Educational Policies - Onset of alterations for the upcoming academic year.
The new school year in Erfurt, Germany, is set to commence on August 11 for approximately 250,000 students. As part of the ongoing efforts to address the teacher shortage and lesson cancellations, several changes and initiatives have been announced.
In line with the national push for dual study programs, future teachers in Erfurt will have regular practical phases at schools starting from the third semester. This dual teacher training approach aims to provide a more comprehensive education and prepare trainees for the realities of teaching.
To alleviate staff shortages, teacher trainees are now allowed to take on side jobs, subject to an employment contract with a maximum of eight hours per week. This move is intended to help schools counter lesson cancellations.
To strengthen democratic education, a constitutional quarter hour is being introduced. This flexible lesson timing measure allows schools to adapt the format of the constitutional quarter hour to current events and chosen topics. Initially, the constitutional quarter hour will be tested at 20 selected schools.
To reduce student failure rates, changes have been made to retention and grading policies. Promotion decisions will be made in all schools from grade six, and comprehensive schools have the flexibility to decide whether to implement the promotion decision from grade six.
New students will start with an "onboarding" internship on September 1, providing a smooth transition into the school environment. Teachers at the model schools will receive additional training to ensure they are well-equipped to implement these changes effectively.
It's worth noting that the specifics of these changes in Erfurt may vary from other German states, and for precise and current details, it would be necessary to consult official announcements from the Thuringian Ministry of Education or local school authorities.
The German government, comprising the CDU, FDP, and Greens, is committed to addressing the teacher shortage, and these initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve the education system in Erfurt and beyond.
The German government, part of the CDU, FDP, and Greens coalition, is committed to enhancing the education system by incorporating community policies, such as the introduction of a constitutional quarter hour and changes in retention and grading policies, to reduce student failure rates. As part of this initiative, schools in Erfurt are also implementing online education and learning resources, along with vocational training programs, to provide comprehensive education and self-development opportunities throughout the school year.
