Saxony Tops the List Again in Education Study

Saxony once again ranks first among the federal states in a comparison of education systems from an educational economics perspective. In this year’s “Education Monitor” published by the employer-aligned Initiative for a New Social Market Economy (INSM), the Free State of Saxony remains the frontrunner. As in the previous year, it is followed by Bavaria, Hamburg, and Baden-Württemberg. At the bottom of the rankings are North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony-Anhalt, ahead of Bremen, which once again brings up the rear.

Assessment from an educational economics perspective

The comparative study conducted by the German Economic Institute (IW) examines the educational systems of the federal states using 98 so-called indicators. For example, education spending per student is compared to total public spending per resident. The study also compares investments in schools and universities, staff-to-student ratios in educational institutions, class sizes, the high school dropout rate, and participation in full-day programs. 

The focus, it states, is on the contribution the education system makes toward securing prosperity, creating opportunities for social mobility for individuals, and ensuring participation.

Negative Trends

The authors point to negative trends in recent years that educational studies have repeatedly revealed: declining proficiency in mathematics, science, and reading, as well as a rising proportion of students who fail to meet minimum standards or earn a diploma. “This jeopardizes not only individual participation and opportunities for upward mobility, but also the skilled workforce of the German economy as a whole.”

The Education Monitor identifies a need for action ranging from early language support to flexible pathways for vocational retraining. The demographic trend—with a shrinking working-age population in the eastern German states—is described as “particularly dramatic.” Immigration is important.

“The education system can have a positive impact in many areas, from fostering a global mindset in schools to harnessing the potential of international students by securing enrollment capacity and expanding support programs at universities.”

What’s Going Right in Saxony

As in the previous year, the study highlights all-day care in Saxony, the top-ranked state. According to the report, a particularly large proportion of children in the Free State of Saxony receive all-day care at school or in daycare. Other positive aspects include particularly well-qualified daycare staff with few unskilled workers in Saxony and good results on school achievement tests.