Teachers' Association: Mixed-Age Classes Should Not Replace Teachers

According to the Saxon Teachers’ Association, teaching across grade levels and classes should not place an additional burden on teachers. “Under certain conditions, these forms of instruction can be a sensible way to maintain educational opportunities close to home and, in particular, to preserve small schools in rural areas,” the SLV stated. However, they should not become an automatic consequence of declining student enrollment or a substitute for a shortage of teachers.

“New forms of instruction must not result in employees having to take on additional tasks without adequate preparation and staffing support,” the teachers’ association clarified. “Educational concerns must take precedence over fiscal considerations,” emphasized Michael Jung.

The model is used primarily at small schools in rural areas

The background to this is a motion by the CDU and SPD coalition factions, which was scheduled to be discussed in the state parliament that evening. It calls on the state government to conduct an assessment of the current offerings at Saxon schools and to further develop teaching methods. The model is used primarily at small, rural elementary schools to keep schools open despite low student enrollment. In such cases, for example, grades 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 are taught together. 

Creating the necessary personnel and organizational conditions

“Cross-grade and cross-class instruction places high demands on lesson planning, individualized support, and the design of teaching methods. Teachers must accommodate different levels of learning and development within a single learning group. This requires additional resources and reliable framework conditions,” argues the teachers’ association.

It was also stated that reliable co-teaching by two teachers in the classroom is indispensable. This arrangement should not be used to conceal a shortage of teachers, the assignment of teachers outside their subject areas, or insufficient coverage of classes.