Security conference in Cottbus: Clear concept for better language training!

Security conference in Cottbus: Clear concept for better language training!

Today's security conference in Cottbus on Monday made clear decisions that focus on language development for children. The participants agree that it is crucial that children can speak sufficient German before they start school. Mayor Tobias Schick highlighted the need for concrete solutions to existing language problems. Compulsory language proficiency testing should be introduced from the age of five in order to enable children to receive targeted support as needed. This measure will be supplemented by the introduction of language screening in preschool age from 2024 in order to lay the foundation for better language skills at an early stage.

A central goal is to improve children's language skills in order to ensure their participation and school success. Schick emphasized that teachers do excellent pedagogical work, but should be relieved of the burden through better language skills. To this end, there should be collaboration between schools, the MBJS and the school authority in order to offer support to those institutions that have to overcome particular challenges. A first step in this direction could also be to examine the targeted distribution of children who speak German poorly across several schools.

The challenges in schools

The Security Conference views the current problems with violence and crime as a phenomenon affecting society as a whole. This becomes particularly relevant in view of violent incidents at Cottbus schools at the end of the last school year. To increase security, measures such as the installation of fences and intercom systems at schools were initiated. A security service will also be active to ease the situation on site and ensure a safe learning environment. The police will do more preventive work in schools in order to get the challenges under control.

In addition to security, language also plays a crucial role in the integration of immigrant children. According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, integration courses can help by preparing participants for the “German Test for Immigrants” (DTZ). In order to receive the integration course certificate, course participants must pass the DTZ with an overall result of at least B1. The exam consists of a written and an oral component and ensures that participants learn the skills necessary to survive in everyday life and in the professional world. It is crucial that language skills are taught successfully in order to enable children to take the “Life in Germany” test, which includes questions on political and social issues.

Long-term goals and measures

The long-term goals include improving educational and participation opportunities for all people in Germany, regardless of their social or cultural background. A central area of ​​action is the promotion of language education in the immigration society. The aim of this funding guideline is to develop support instruments for learners and to make optimal use of their potential. The metaproject is led by Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Roth from the University of Cologne. His team is tasked with further promoting social participation through individual language support.

The challenges are great, but the solutions must be addressed urgently. In order to promote better social cohesion, targeted and comprehensive language support is required, which must extend through all levels of education. There is a great responsibility here for educational institutions and society, which must pull together.