Educators' organization advocates for shutting down schools and preschools
In the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Education and Science Union (GEW) in Germany has been advocating for a nationwide, uniform, and binding approach to the reopening of schools and daycare centres.
According to GEW chair, Marlis Tepe, the union is urging Chancellor Angela Merkel and state premiers to extend the closure of schools and daycare centres, as infection and death rates remain high, and the risks posed by coronavirus mutations are hard to assess.
With the current situation, many schools and daycare centres lack conditions for extensive relaxation or a quick return to full-time in-person teaching, Tepe stated. The union is calling for reliable criteria for states to act flexibly based on local infection developments.
In terms of exams, the GEW chair believes a shift in exams can be sensible, but extending the school year can only be a voluntary individual measure, as it would be at the expense of all students. Exams must be organized in a way that builds on the format and content of the teaching that students have received this school year.
Tepe also warned that the acceptance of decisions by the entire pedagogical staff, students, and their parents decreases if the impression arises that states arbitrarily interpret agreements. Politics must clearly and uniformly regulate the claim to emergency care and not shift the decision to daycare centres, schools, and parents.
The states must legally agree to mutually recognize all school leaving certificates, according to the GEW chair. This is crucial to ensure the smooth transition of students from one state to another without any complications. The recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute are still considered a good basis for this.
The GEW is also aware of the stresses on young people due to the extraordinary corona situation. After the school lockdown, there should be a transition to teaching with the alternating model to maintain contact with all students. No one will repeat a grade this school year, according to the GEW chair.
In conclusion, the GEW is advocating for a unified approach to school reopening in Germany, taking into account the health and safety of students, teachers, and parents, as well as the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. For the most current and precise position from the GEW, it is recommended to consult the official GEW website or recent press releases directly.
- Recognizing the importance of personal growth and learning, the GEW is pushing for a nationwide framework that encourages education-and-self-development, focusing on adaptable learning methods and criteria during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- As individuals navigate through the challenges posed by the pandemic, the GEW is emphasizing the need for other forms of education-and-self-development, such as online resources and personal-growth seminars, to ensure learning continuity beyond the confines of school.
