Ei-iE

In a controversial move, the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state government plans to eliminate remedial classes from the primary school curriculum. This decision has been met with strong opposition from the Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW) NRW and the Verband Bildung und Erziehung (VBE) NRW, arguing that this “grave mistake” is undermining quality education.

The importance of small group support

The trade unions warn that the proposed cut means that there will no longer be a legal entitlement for students to receive support in small learning groups. This is particularly concerning for children who need special assistance, as they risk falling behind without this crucial support. Instead of promoting equal opportunities, the removal of remedial classes is likely to exacerbate existing inequalities.

Teachers' daily struggle

The teaching profession is on the front lines, working tirelessly to provide the best possible education for all children, GEW and VBE say. However, to succeed, teachers need time, resources, and good working conditions. The elimination of remedial classes takes away a central tool for addressing individual learning needs, making their job even more challenging.

Voices from the field

Anne Deimel, President of VBE NRW, highlights the widespread plea for smaller class sizes. "If you ask children, parents, and teachers what needs to be improved in schools, the desire for learning in smaller classes is at the top of the list. Now, primary schools are losing the only opportunity for this during the week. This isn't right," she says. Deimel emphasizes that more time will be needed for individual support work in smaller learning groups in the future.

The need for strengthening basic skills

Educational studies consistently confirm the urgent need to strengthen basic skills. According to the Ruhr Education Report, one in three primary school children does not meet the minimum standards in German and mathematics a year before moving on to secondary school. VBE and GEW argue that cutting remedial hours is a serious mistake in this context.

Ensuring educational equity

Ayla Çelik, President of GEW NRW, further stresses the importance of remedial hours for ensuring equity. "Anyone who seriously wants to ensure educational and participation equity cannot cut remedial hours," she says. The additional lesson in German and mathematics promised instead in classes with up to 28 students cannot compensate for the targeted support that remedial teaching provides.

A call to action

VBE and GEW are united in their stance: good education requires good conditions, and this includes remedial classes. Echoing the call of the Education International’s Go Public! Fund Education campaign, they argue that anyone who seriously wants to ensure quality and promote educational equity should not cut the resources that make this possible. For them, the fight to save remedial classes is not just about preserving a part of the curriculum; it's about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.