In Spite of Protests: School Absence Countermeasures Approved
Saxony's Minister of Culture, Conrad Clemens, persists with his contentious plan to secure school instruction, as approved today by the cabinet. A 21-point strategy aims to combat high teacher absenteeism in the Free State, with the long-term objective of reducing absenteeism by half, according to Clemens.
One controversial aspect involves teachers being allowed to reduce their teaching load from the age of 60, instead of the previous plan of 58. The plan initially proposed teachers working until 63 without any time off. The additional workload for teachers amounts to approximately 130 full-time positions, as indicated by the Ministry of Culture. The Saxon Teachers' Association voiced concerns, stating that the measures "place teachers at a disadvantage, will further increase sick leave, and promote early retirement at 63."
Digital learning formats, interdisciplinary teaching, fewer tests, and less homework are to be introduced in the future to ease the teachers' burden. Teachers will also be responsible for preparing 15 lessons per school year digitally, which can be led by another teacher or school assistant in the event of illness or other absences. This self-learning approach, as referred to by the ministry, will allow students to work independently with the teaching materials within the classroom.
Addressing the concerned opposition, Clemens stated, "I understand that the measures are not popular, but they are essential." The measures will automatically expire on 31 July 2030, at which point they will be evaluated.
Clemens anticipates the teacher shortage to become a thing of the past by 2030, and improvements are expected this fall. In the next school year, there will be 2,500 fewer students in primary schools. According to Clemens, "Soon, we will no longer talk about a teacher shortage."
Teachers' interest groups have rejected the 21 measures, with the Education and Science Union declaring, "The overall package will permanently damage school education in Saxony. We are furious."
Regarding the impact of the measures, studies suggest increased administrative tasks and the demands of inclusive education might contribute to teachers' workload, leading to higher burnout rates and a strained teacher supply. Simultaneously, measures promoting student autonomy can be effective only if properly supported. The long-term aim of reducing teacher absenteeism and alleviating the teacher shortage is a shared challenge across German states, including Saxony.
In the debated education-and-self-development policy and legislation proposed by Saxony's Minister of Culture, Conrad Clemens, digital learning formats and interdisciplinary teaching are intended to ease teachers' burden, while teachers will be responsible for preparing 15 lessons per school year digitally, aiming to combat high teacher absenteeism. However, the measures, including allowances for teachers to reduce their teaching load from the age of 60, have been met with strong opposition from teachers' interest groups, such as the Education and Science Union, who believe these measures will permanently damage school education in Saxony.
