- Commencing academic year witnesses an increase in pupils.
The new academic term in Saarland kicked off with a larger student population than the last one. The figure jumped by approximately 2,300 to almost 124,600, as per information provided by the Education Department in Saarbrücken. The surge was notably significant at primary schools, seeing an addition of around 1,100 students. Comprehensive schools reported about 500 extra scholars. Minister of Education, Christine Streichert-Clivot (SPD), attributed this growth to migration from conflict and crisis-ridden regions.
As per the department's data, around 150 additional classes are being initiated this academic year. There were 9,834 teachers spread across all educational institutions at the beginning of this academic year post-summer break, marking a rise of 201 compared to the end of the previous school year. Fifty additional positions for language support teachers in German were introduced, reinforcing the existing 120 full-time teachers in this department.
The nationwide implementation of the Startchancen program commenced on August 1, impacting 55 schools in Saarland. The main objective of this program is to bolster schools with a high concentration of socially disadvantaged students. Operating for a decade, the federal government grants it an annual fund of one billion euros, with the states contributing the same amount. According to the department, Saarland receives around 12 million euros annually as federal assistance.
The European Parliament, as per the text, is set to assist The Commission. This collaboration could potentially provide resources or insights to help manage the increased student population in Saarland's schools, considering the assistance Saarland receives from the federal government for various educational programs.
In light of the significant increase in student population, it would be beneficial for the Education Department to seek advice and support from the European Parliament's expertise in educational policies and resources, given their role in assisting The Commission.
