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During its recent General Meeting, the Swiss Teachers’ Federation (Dachverband Schweizer Lehrerinnen und Lehrer, LCH) unanimously decided on a resolution calling for greater efforts to provide quality education throughout Switzerland.

Beat W. Zemp, LCH President, who was re-elected during the General Meeting, said: “Teachers want to provide quality education for all pupils. But to be able to do so, a supportive framework must be in place. It’s important that authorities take the teachers’ feedback into account – that is the only way to guarantee educational quality.”

Unanimous support for resolution

Delegates at the General Meeting unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Canton school authorities to undertake measures in four areas to meet the challenges of the future. In Switzerland, the Cantons or regional authorities, are responsible for the education system.

These four areas are:

1. Foreign language education. In a multi-language society and in a globalised society in general, the resolution says, quality foreign language education is of utmost importance. In a survey of its members, LCH found clear indicators that basic conditions for successful language classes were not met by educational frameworks. While teachers expressed the view that they felt able to teach these subjects, structural constraints often prevented quality language education.
2. Integration. There is a need to conceptualise existing models of how to integrate all groups of learners in heterogeneous classroom environments. Schools need room to manoeuvre to be able to react to local needs and realities.
3. Professional Development. Continuous professional training has an important part to play in the effort to provide quality education. Certifications and functions should be transferable across Canton borders.
4. Curriculum 21. The upcoming new curriculum, due to be introduced this year, will have to take these points into account and needs to provide the framework for the success of these measures.

“While there is progress in harmonisation and enhancements to the education framework, much remains to be done,” says Zemp. “The LCH and its members will continue to demand that realistic efforts be undertaken to guarantee quality education for all Swiss pupils.”