Compulsory language tests to be introduced for the new school year
Compulsory language tests before starting school are to be introduced in Bavaria by the start of the next school year 2024/2025. "We assume that the corresponding results will be delivered in the course of the year, (...) at the beginning of the next school year," said State Chancellery Leader Florian Herrmann (CSU) on Tuesday after the first cabinet meeting since the state elections in Munich. The implementation of this important measure should not take until "the day after tomorrow"; the aim is to have the whole thing operational for the next school year.
The CSU and Free Voters had agreed on the introduction of language tests in their new coalition agreement. If language deficits are too great, there should either be a compulsory pre-school year or attendance at language classes, depending on age. "We want to develop a corresponding practical concept together with the local authorities and teachers' associations," said Herrmann. The state government has commissioned the Ministries of Culture, Social Affairs and Health with the implementation.
"Language skills are the crucial key to integration. Without language, there is no integration, no opportunity to really get on at school," said Herrmann. The concept deliberately sets a counterpoint to the "arbitrariness of parents", who consider language skills to be less important. The state government considers it to be "the crucial key" to integration and a successful school career.
As part of the concept, it must also be clarified who will teach pupils who require additional training, Herrmann said when asked. It is quite possible that there is a larger number of children with language deficits. In order to make integration easier for the children of migrants, the expansion of language daycare centers is also to be improved.
The compulsory language tests will be overseen by the Ministries of Culture, Social Affairs, and Health, as per the instructions given by State Chancellery Leader Florian Herrmann. In the new school year, if a student's language deficits are too significant, they may be required to attend pre-school or language classes.
Source: www.dpa.com
