Ministry of Culture sees trend reversal in lesson absenteeism

In spring, Clemens launched a package of measures to improve the situation. Among other things, older teachers are to work more hours than before. In addition, more digital formats and more interdisciplinary teaching were targeted. There are also to be fewer written exams and class tests in order to reduce the amount of correction work. Teachers are to be seconded to schools with particular shortages.

More than six months later, the ministry is seeing success. The seconded teachers had ensured that fewer lessons were canceled at secondary schools, it said. "We have paid a price for this. We have a minimal increase in absenteeism at elementary school and vocational training centers."

Saxon Teachers' Association considers presentation misleading

The trade unions take a more differentiated view of the development. They say that although teacher secondments are reducing absenteeism at secondary schools, it is increasing at elementary school. It is merely a matter of redistribution, emphasized Michael Jung, head of the Saxon Teachers' Association (SLV). What is important is not just "whether lessons take place, but what is taught and how". We are experiencing a "fair-weather picture" that has little to do with the reality in schools.

The SLV considers the term "trend reversal" to be misleading. The figures do not reflect what is actually happening in many schools: "The statistics disguise the reality. In many schools, there were no regular subject lessons for weeks on end - instead, there were only class teacher lessons, shortened lessons or even just pedagogical support. However, this does not appear in the statistics as lost teaching time."

Diminishing work capacity due to more part-time work

According to the ministry, not all teachers are fully available for teaching. Last year, the proportion of teachers working part-time was 35.3 percent, now it has risen to 35.9 percent. Clemens supports a proposal from Bavaria to lower the age limit for children working part-time for family reasons from 18 to 14 - the state would then no longer have to approve part-time work for teaching staff with older children.

More pupils - but fewer in primary schools

There are currently 440,414 pupils in Saxony's schools. That is 1,276 more than in the previous year - an increase of 0.3 percent. At the same time, demographic change is already making itself felt. While the number of pupils grew in all types of secondary schools, it decreased in elementary school - from 141,386 to 139,145 girls and boys.

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