The Deficiencies of the German School System

After a few days creative break, I am determined to start afresh with regular reports from the international arena ...

Today, I would like to give a few insights into the German educational system. The linchpin to this post is today's meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Commission on the German school system. The meeting was prompted by a staggering report of the U.N. Special Emissary, Vernor Muñoz. In his report, Muñoz characterizes the German school system as discriminatory as disabled children and children from poor or immigrant families have a difficult time to succeed and are taking a back seat. For more information, see Sueddeutsche Zeitung [article, in German].

One stumbling block is the early "classification" of children in "intelligent" and "less intelligent". Thus, during the fourth year of primary school (at the age of nine or ten), a teacher has to decide which of her pupils she considers capable to attend high school (Gymnasium). Those "not so capable" are again classified and either sent to a compulsory secondary school (Hauptschule) which is said to provide only low-chance education or to an intermediate school (Realschule). The Bayerisches Kultusministerium has more [website, in English]. The "upgrade" to a "higher level school" is almost impossible.

The early classification is generally detrimental for immigrant children whose proficiency of the German language often does not meet the standards set for being considered "capable to attend high school". When I was at primary school, immigrant children (in our case Greek students) did not even attend the same classes as we did: they had their own teacher, own rooms etc. Not really a system that fosters integration ...

Indeed, Mr. Muñoz's other challenge is the current school system's "discrimination" against disabled children. Those children are sent to special schools where they shall get particular assistance. The problem is that this generally results in disabled children taking a back seat. During my whole education in Germany, I never had a classmate or co-student who was disabled, i.e. blind or confined to a wheelchair ... This is certainly nothing to be proud of.

Still the Secretaries of Education of the German Laender are not inclined to change the current system. They challenge Mr. Muñoz's ability to judge the German system and assert that the current system has proved its value. Well, another illustration of the German phlegm when it comes to reform the current (traditional) system ... but unfortunately also another example of a state refusing to take the U.N. seriously.