Germany’s Push to End Early School Tracking Sparks National Debate
A push to reform Germany’s education system is gaining momentum. The Citizens’ Assembly on Education and Learning has proposed keeping all students in shared classes until grade 10. Supporters argue this would reduce inequality by delaying the early separation of children into different school tracks—a practice currently in place from grade five onwards.
Under the current system, German children are divided into separate school tracks as early as after fourth grade. Critics, including Professor John Hattie, a leading education researcher, call this approach unfair and inefficient. He argues that early tracking reinforces social divides, particularly along lines of socioeconomic status and migration background.
The proposal to delay school tracking until grade 10 aims to create a more equitable system. If adopted, it would mark a significant shift in how German children are educated. For now, the debate continues between those calling for structural reform and others prioritising early childhood investment.
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