German schoolchildren post worst PISA results in 25 years
In Germany, 15-year-old students demonstrated the lowest results in reading, mathematics and science for the entire period of PISA studies. The new data sparked a discussion about the reasons for the deteriorating indicators and the necessary changes in school education, The Local Germany reports.
The first PISA results, published around 25 years ago, also prompted large-scale education reforms in the country. According to the publication, they contributed to improving results in reading, mathematics and science until approximately 2012, after which the pace of change slowed.
Positions of politicians and specialists
Federal Education Minister Karin Prien believes that schools are affected by changes in the composition of students, including migration, parenting approaches, changes in family life, the number of single-parent families, screen time and social media. Rhineland-Palatinate Minister-President Gordon Schnieder said that some children enter primary school without sufficient language and basic skills.
At the same time, Samuel Greiff, director of the German PISA study, stressed that differences in achievement are linked not to migration background but to families’ socio-economic status. Stefan Stürmer, a representative of the teachers’ union, also named family circumstances, the availability of time and money, and the opportunity to study in a quiet space as important factors.
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Proposed changes
Gordon Schnieder plans to introduce mandatory language testing and assessment of children’s basic skills at the age of four and a half in Rhineland-Palatinate. Karin Prien supports similar testing for four-year-olds, additional assistance for those falling behind, investment in kindergartens and language support in preschool institutions. She also advocates expanding the Startchancen programme, which provides additional funding for disadvantaged schools.
Education researchers urge that measures not be limited to early language preparation. Olaf Köller noted that schools need to work better with both students who have learning difficulties and the highest-achieving students. Expert Silke Müller proposes nationwide education standards, mandatory professional development for teachers, media literacy lessons, more psychosocial support staff and substantial education funding.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed cooperation between the federal government and the states to raise education standards. The Social Democratic Party of Germany called for an education summit involving representatives of federal, state and local authorities.
