- The European Parliament has passed a resolution concerning the topic.
Various political groups in the Saxony-Anhalt state legislature are advocating for more inclusion of kids with special needs within the educational system. Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz (Greens) stated, "Saxony-Anhalt is required to establish an inclusive educational system." She argued against the use of specialized schools, stating, "No other federal state sends as many children to special schools as Saxony-Anhalt does." Sziborra-Seidlitz urged for frequent co-educational classes.
The Left party also voiced its concerns. "Things can't keep getting this bad," said deputy faction leader Thomas Lippmann. The SPD also recognized the need for change. SPD faction leader Katja Pähle expressed frustration with the Education Ministry's plans to enroll first-graders in a specialized school with a focus on learning, despite lacking prior support during the flexible school entry phase.
Education Minister Eva Feußner argued that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities does not provide specific guidance on how joint learning should be implemented or shape the school system. Parents' opinions are highly valued, Feußner (CDU) added, and they have the right to choose between a specialized school and a general one. "Parents are the ultimate authorities on their child."
The CDU and FDP factions supported strengthening specialized schools, while the AfD opposes the concept of inclusion, with faction deputy Hans-Thomas Tillschneider labeling it an "inclusion obsession." The topic is expected to be further debated in committees.
The SPD faction leader Katja Pähle expressed her concerns about the Education Ministry's plan, criticizing the enrollment of first-graders in a specialized school with a focus on learning, despite lacking prior support during the flexible school entry phase. Despite this, the SPD also acknowledged the need for changes within the educational system, aligning with the Green party's advocacy for more inclusion of kids with special needs.
