Viennese schools on the abyss: German problems for 50% of the first graders!

Viennese schools on the abyss: German problems for 50% of the first graders!

The alarming situation at the Vienna elementary schools ensures violent political debates. Karl Mahrer, the head of the Wiener ÖVP, demands clarity after he has published frightening figures on the language skills of the school beginners. As the Exxpress , almost 50 percent of the 22.103 school beginners of the German language cannot follow. It is particularly worrying that 72.1 percent of the preschool children, who also count as school beginners, are also classified as extraordinarily because they have massive German problems. Mahrer describes these statistics as an educational scandal and sharply criticizes the neos-led education administration, which in his opinion acted irresponsibly, while the education city councilor Christoph Retzen was largely down.

criticism and countermocks

The conflicts between the ÖVP and the NEOS continue to escalate. Mahrer and education spokesman Harald Zierfuß presented their initiatives to improve German funding in a seven-point plan, which according to Mahrer should ensure that all children can speak German until school. You accuse the problem of not addressing the problem in kindergarten and are calling for an immediate improvement in the educational relationship. Zierfuß found that the number of extraordinary elementary schoolchildren has literally doubled since the return took office and that those responsible have to finally act.
Return countered these allegations by clarifying that the guilt in the field of education is also among the federal government, which is clearly supported by the financing of German funding programs. This was also taken up by the SPÖ, which criticized that Vienna is treated unfairly compared to other federal states when it comes to the resources for language support.

The challenge of German funding is the focus of the educational debates in Vienna. The proposed measures by Mahrer and Zierfuß should not only improve the situation in schools, but also involve the kindergartens more. The “Mission German” initiated by return also provides for various steps to bring German language skills closer to children. The demands on fast and effective change are high - the question remains whether these political positions will have the desired effect on the language skills of the Viennese students.