In view of AfD plans to loosen compulsory school education, the Bundesrat is committed to preserving it. On the initiative of several federal states, the upper house of parliament came out on Friday, in a resolution, in favor of preserving mandatory school attendance "as a guarantor of equal opportunity and social cohesion." The federal government is called upon to "oppose all initiatives that could weaken general mandatory school attendance as a fundamental principle of the German education system."
The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt is advocating for a relaxation of compulsory education.. On all questions concerning the education and upbringing of children, "parents must have the final say," according to the party's election manifesto for the state election in September. "We firmly oppose all attempts by the state to interfere in the upbringing of children."
Modeled on the Austrian system, the AfD wants to "create a free choice between school and homeschooling." However, the condition would be that homeschooling "meets the same quality standards as school-based instruction."
The Federal Council explains: “Efforts to weaken universal compulsory schooling in favor of a general obligation to pursue education would jeopardize these proven structures.” A general obligation to pursue education could neither guarantee social integration nor ensure binding educational standards.
Mandatory school attendance is a prerequisite for opening up equal educational and advancement opportunities to all children and young people, regardless of ethnic, cultural, and social background, social environment, disability, sexual identity, and worldview, the Bundesrat resolution states.
Schools, it says, are places of shared learning and living where, alongside subject knowledge, social and civic skills such as respect, tolerance, a sense of responsibility, and an understanding of free democratic values are also conveyed.
Mandatory school attendance makes an important contribution to integration and social cohesion, to tolerance and the formation of values, the resolution continues, and in doing so also counteracts the emergence of parallel societal structures.
Furthermore, general mandatory school attendance ensures reliable educational structures and contributes to reconciling family and career. Regardless of parents' professional, time, and financial circumstances, it says, children's and young people's education can thus be permanently secured.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
