A good 3,200 young people in Saxony remain without a school-leaving certificate

More teachers needed for German as a second language

"Anyone who doesn't act now will soon be crying crocodile tears at the ten percent dropout rate. Only better staffing and funding for schools, more highly qualified specialist staff such as teachers for German as a second language, smaller classes and more rather than less school social work will be able to stop this sad development," said Maaß. What is needed is effective support for children and young people with a non-German heritage language and fair equalization regulations in examinations.

Craftsmen's Day calls for more individual support

"Instead of discussing whether school grades are still up to date in Saxony, we should focus on significantly reducing the number of school dropouts," said Uwe Nostitz, President of the Saxon Craftsmen's Day. It is not a question of continually expanding transition systems such as the vocational preparation year. "Instead, schools need to be strengthened - with qualified teaching staff, the best possible equipment and individual support. These measures are a worthwhile investment in education."

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