According to Education Minister Stark-Watzinger, more federal say could be a possible way to improve education in the country. She sees opportunities particularly in the area of digitalization.
Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger has spoken out in favor of the federal government having a greater say in education, especially in the area of digitalization. “We need more speed in education. So far, the federal government has only been able to work with all the states to a limited extent,” said the FDP politician to the “Rheinische Post”. There is a need for a clear division of tasks “in which the federal government could be responsible for overarching issues such as digitalization.”
The federal government is currently only allowed to invest in technology in schools, such as laptops. “But a device alone does not make teaching digital. It would be better if the federal government could have more of a say in terms of sustainable effectiveness.” It is not an option to “just give money like before.”
More uniform Education System
Stark-Watzinger further noted that the pressure to act has never been so great. “The surveys are clear: people want a more uniform education system in our country,” said the Education Minister. Germany cannot afford to wait another ten years. “Federal, state and local governments must pull together.”
In addition, Stark-Watzinger spoke out in favor of comprehensive language tests for kindergarten children. Such tests already exist, but not everywhere, and if they exist, nothing necessarily follows from them. “We therefore also need mandatory language support for children who do not have sufficient command of the German language before starting school.”
Philip Brost, ARD Berlin, tagesschau, February 20, 2024 7:57 a.m