Digging Deeper: SPD Raises Alarm Over Persistent High School Absences in Schleswig-Holstein
Criticism of Inadequate Teacher Supply in the Northern Region by SPD - Criticism of High School Dropping-Out Rates in Northern Germany by SPD (Social Democratic Party)
Now here's a drag, huh? SPD's education policy spokesman Martin Habersaat's bemoaning the relentless high rate of school absences that plague Schleswig-Holstein. latest stats from the Ministry of Education reveal that 11.2%, roughly every ninth hour, of lessons in general schools are neglected.
Here's the lowdown: in the 2023/24 school year, 11.9% of lessons missed. Adding insult to injury, 2.5% of lessons went unexplained (2.6% in '23/24) while 8.7% didn't happen as planned - they were covered by substitute teachers.
Since the CDU took the reins of the Ministry of Education in 2017, the absence rate's been steadily climbing, according to Habersaat. In 2016/2017, it stood at a comparatively decent 9.5%. The 2022/2023 school year broke records with a whopping 12.2%.
"Since 2022/2023, we've seen a slow decline, but we're still a long cry from the figures Petra Prien (CDU) found when she stepped into the ring with the Ministry of Education," Habersaat sighed. The federal education minister led the helm of the ministry in Kiel from 2017 until May.
Vocational Schools Woes
The absence rate's even higher at vocational schools, averaging 13.7% (13.6% '23/24). 3.9% of lessons were unexplained (3.8%), and 9.8% didn't occur as scheduled.
"In Segeberg's primary schools, lessons are often missed without replacement, and in Stormarn, lessons at the support center frequently disappear," Habersaat disclosed. Lessons at Lübeck and Rendsburg-Eckernförde's gymnasiums are often snubbed without a trace.
Habersaat's particularly worried that 90% of missed lessons at the upper secondary level are compensated with independent assignments. According to the ministry's data, the most common culprit for school absences is teacher ailments (63%). In 27% of cases, teachers juggle other duties like assessments, project days, or field trips.
The SPD politico put forth a call to the state government to pause the exodus of teacher positions and rely less on temp substitute teachers.
Behind the School Absences
Why's this happening? Let's take a deep dive into factors that contribute to high school absence rates.
- Social and Family Challenges: Students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds or those grappling with family strife could face increased absenteeism due to personal or family-related headaches.
- Health Concerns: Mental and physical health issues, plus accessibility of healthcare, can lead to hiked absences.
- School System Factors: Structure and relevance of the curriculum, teacher-student relationships, and engagement can influence absenteeism rates.
- Local and Regional Quagmires: Economic doldrums, transportation woes, and local conundrums might obstruct students' smooth attendance.
- Policy and Administration: School policies on attendance, parental support, and community backing can also impact absenteeism rates.
Understanding Schleswig-Holstein's specific situation demands consultation with local educational authorities, localized research, and regional reports that could shed light on these factors.
SPD's education policy spokesman, Martin Habersaat, has expressed concern over the persistently high rates of absenteeism in Schleswig-Holstein's general schools and vocational training institutions. Despite a slight decline since 2022/2023, the absence rate remains higher than desired, with vocational schools averaging 13.7%. Habersaat advocates for addressing lifestyle challenges, health concerns, inadequate curriculum and teacher-student relations, local issues, and ineffective policies to combat this issue.
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