Compulsory schooling ensures opportunities and cohesion: Saarland supports Federal Council resolution for strong educational system

The Bundesrat has today spoken out in favor of maintaining and strengthening compulsory education as a fundamental pillar of the German education system. Saarland supports the resolution, thereby sending a clear signal for a fair education system.

Minister of Education Christine Streichert-Clivot: “Every child has the right to quality education, individual support, and the experience of belonging. School is a place of shared learning and living, where children and young people experience community, take on responsibility, get to know different perspectives, and practice democratic coexistence every day. Compulsory schooling ensures that all young people have access to education and participation – regardless of where they come from, the social conditions they grow up in, whether they live with a disability or impairment, or whom they love.

Especially in a time when some are again opting for isolation instead of community, declaring diversity an enemy, and wanting to impose backward-looking role models on young people, we must be clear: No child may be excluded, limited in their opportunities, or prevented from participating in society. School opens doors and horizons. It brings together where others want to divide. That is why compulsory education is a guarantee for equal opportunities and social cohesion.”

This is what the Bundesrat resolution means for a fair and strong education system:

• Equal educational opportunities: The general school attendance requirement ensures that all children and young people have access to compulsory education and helps to reduce unequal starting conditions.
•  Learning together and democratic education: Schools impart not only subject-related skills but also social and civic abilities. They strengthen a sense of responsibility, respect, tolerance, and understanding of the values of the liberal democratic order.
•  Participation and integration: Equal educational and participation opportunities must be guaranteed for all children and young people. Learning together in schools promotes integration and social cohesion.
•  Strengthening compulsory school attendance permanently: The federal government is called upon to consider the importance of compulsory school attendance in future initiatives related to education and to oppose efforts that weaken this fundamental principle.

With this decision, the Federal Council reaffirms the general compulsory education as an indispensable foundation of an efficient, fair, and integration-strong education system. Saarland supports this approach: Good school education must reach all children and young people, enable participation, and strengthen social cohesion.