Future Learning Strategies: Enhancing Children's Advancement
Baden-Württemberg, a German state, has announced a significant package worth millions of dollars aimed at promoting language education. The slogan for this initiative is 'The beginning is crucial.'
The educational landscape in Baden-Württemberg has been facing a decline, with a notable issue being the language deficits of many children, particularly those from migrant families. This crisis has been exacerbated by the influx of Ukrainian war refugees.
To address this issue, the expansion of language promotion measures will continue until the 2028/2029 school year. The target is to increase the number of language support groups from 950 to 1,900 within this period, which would cater to approximately a third of children, around 30,000 children per year.
Children with no or hardly any German language skills who have recently arrived in Germany will be placed in preparation classes instead of Junior Classes. These classes, which will be available from the 1st grade, are primarily intended to teach children German. In their last year of kindergarten, these children should receive intensive language training with four hours per week.
Starting with the 2026/2027 school year, children with insufficient German language skills for primary school will be tested and supported in Junior Classes ahead of the 1st grade, half a year before school starts.
The Greens and CDU have agreed to deploy multiprofessional teams in primary schools. These teams consist of a mix of professionals such as special educators, school social workers, and learning therapists. The aim is to improve individualized support and inclusion. In Baden-Württemberg, these teams are already being applied in pilot projects, primarily in primary schools with an inclusion focus and small group support.
Junior classes have 25 hours of lessons per week and a size of twelve to twenty students. By the 2028/2029 school year, there will be 832 locations for Junior Classes nationwide.
To further strengthen basic competencies in reading, writing, and arithmetic, the Ministry of Education plans to continue using the 'Learning with Tailwind' concept. This involves using auxiliary staff such as students, but its focus will shift from pandemic-related learning gaps to further strengthening these basic competencies.
By the 2028/2029 school year, language promotion should be mandatory. Starting with the 2026/2027 school year, parents will have a legal claim to full-day care at primary schools.
This comprehensive approach is a significant step towards ensuring that every child in Baden-Württemberg receives the support they need to succeed academically, regardless of their language background.
