Berlin is introducing a groundbreaking strategy aimed at sustainably enhancing the language and mathematics skills of students across all educational stages. The initiative, presented today by Katharina Günther-Wünsch, Senator for Education, Youth, and Family, represents the city’s first structured and cross-phase concept designed to systematically improve educational outcomes in Berlin’s schools and childcare institutions. The goal is to steadily increase the proportion of children and adolescents meeting nationally recognized minimum educational standards.
The new strategy marks a fundamental shift in Berlin’s approach to education. Previously, multiple individual projects and programs operated in parallel, often without alignment. With the Quality Strategy, the city establishes a binding framework and clear objectives for the entire education system. Schools, Kitas, and administrative bodies will now work together along shared goals, standardized procedures, and clearly defined responsibilities. Decisions and mandatory measures to improve learning outcomes will be guided by comprehensive learning and development data.
Katharina Günther-Wünsch emphasized the significance of this approach: “With the Quality Strategy, we are implementing a paradigm shift. We are moving away from isolated measures and, for the first time, establishing the development of quality in Kitas and schools on a shared, reliable, and data-driven foundation. We focus on what children truly learn and take consistent action when objectives are not met. The Senate Department for Education, Youth, and Family assumes responsibility for this approach together with the many professionals in our city.”
The implementation of the strategy is guided by three interlinked areas:
Learning levels and development progress will be systematically recorded and evaluated through standardized procedures. This data-driven approach enables the precise identification of educational needs and allows for the design of targeted support measures.
Effective teaching and support methods will be systematically expanded. Schools will receive guidance to further develop teaching quality, particularly in German language and mathematics, ensuring that students gain essential competencies.
Kitas, schools, youth services, families, and local partners will collaborate more closely. In socially challenging environments, resources will be combined to provide children with reliable learning and development conditions, ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.
The implementation of the Quality Strategy will be scientifically monitored by the Quality Advisory Board. The results will be continuously evaluated to reinforce and further develop effective measures. Norbert Maritzen, Chairman of the Quality Advisory Board, highlighted the strategy’s importance: “For the first time in Berlin, there is a consistent, goal-focused, and cross-educational-stage strategy, rather than a collection of isolated measures as was often the case in the past.”
Ute Winterberg, a member of the Advisory Board and Principal of Pusteblume Primary School, emphasized the focus on individual learning: “This strategy puts the learning paths of our students at the center, creates reliable spaces for participation and development, and ensures a solid foundation for long-term educational success. Our school community shapes and takes responsibility for this path together.”
Stakeholders will soon be informed about the strategy through events and committee meetings. Beginning in spring 2026, Senator Günther-Wünsch plans to visit all regions personally to present the Quality Strategy to school authorities and principals, engaging directly with them in an immediate dialogue. This approach ensures that the strategy is communicated clearly, understood at every level, and implemented effectively across Berlin.
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