More support for pupils with dyscalculia

Pupils with dyscalculia are to receive more support in Saxony in future. The education committee recommends that the state parliament approve a joint motion by the CDU, SPD, BSW, Greens and Left, as announced by several parliamentary groups.

More time and resources for affected pupils

According to the motion, dyscalculia should be recognized as a partial performance weakness, as is already the case with dyslexia. Affected children and young people could then be given more time for tasks, aids and targeted support, for example.

After years of stagnation, the issue is finally moving forward, said Christin Melcher, education policy spokesperson for the Greens, in a statement following the committee meeting. "Our initiative starts with early childhood education, as arithmetic difficulties often become apparent at an early age."

Focus on mathematical education

Recognition as a partial learning disability is logical and long overdue, said Gerald Eisenblätter, education policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group. "Problems with arithmetic and mathematical understanding don't just grow, they get worse over time." Mathematical education must also play a greater role in the education plan, said Luise Neuhaus-Wartenberg, education policy spokesperson for the Left Party. "Current and future teachers must receive further training in dealing with dyscalculia."

It is crucial that schools receive the necessary personnel and specialist support to implement this, said Lars Wurzler, education policy spokesperson for the BSW parliamentary group. "The recognition of dyscalculia must not just remain a symbolic step, but must reach the classrooms."

Dyscalculia affects at least one child per class

Dyscalculia is recognized by the World Health Organization as a developmental disorder in schools. Those affected have pronounced difficulties in learning arithmetic. It is estimated that at least one pupil in every class is affected. The Ministry of Education is already reviewing the recognition. This could be implemented in the coming school year.