Young people demand more participation in schools – what’s behind it?

Young people demand more participation in schools – what’s behind it?

In Germany, children and young people have expressed clear wishes, according to a current study by the Berlin Institute, the German Children and Youth Foundation and the Wüstenrot Foundation, which was carried out as part of the “Participation Beatlas Children and Young People” project. They want to be actively involved in shaping their everyday school life and their surroundings. The results show that the opportunities for co-determination in particular vary greatly. While high school students tend to feel more like they are part of the decision-making process, students at secondary schools, secondary schools and comprehensive schools complain about limited participation. This is often due to a lack of support from teachers who need to concentrate on their core business, as reported by Mercury is executed.

The few opportunities that students have to get involved, such as class councils, debate clubs or school newspapers, could be expanded through additional offerings and financial resources. Hartmut Stäker, President of the Brandenburg Education Association, emphasizes that in many federal states 12% of students drop out of school, which is reaching dramatic proportions. The Alberta Education Strategy Plan, which calls for a “school readiness test” for children before they start school, is also seen as a possible step in the right direction.

Need for co-determination and participation

The voices of young people also show that they deserve to be heard more. They often have specific suggestions for improvement, such as how empty buildings could be better used for leisure clubs or schools. Despite some positive examples in which young people have been successfully involved in the design of youth spaces and building plans, many do not feel taken seriously by adult society. As the analysis by the Participation Atlas reveals, industry solutions must be found in order to reach less committed young people and promote their participation. The challenge is to make participation both diverse and inclusive for all children and young people share the information from Participation Atlas.

The question remains as to how educational equality can develop further in Germany. Current statistics based on PISA studies show that over 20% of 15-year-olds in Germany do not reach the basic level of reading proficiency. Education is seen as the key to equal opportunities, but reality shows clear gaps. Children from disadvantaged families are particularly affected, as is the content of the Special education teacher Occupy website. Here a clear connection between social background and educational success becomes visible. Education reforms aimed at individual support and inclusion are essential to reducing systemic inequalities.

A look into the future

With smart reforms and a focus on inclusive and equitable learning, the German education system could undergo significant change. It is up to us to shape the future together with children and young people, to give them the opportunity to participate and thus break through social barriers. Education should not be a privilege, but a fundamental right for everyone that offers everyone a fair chance for a successful future.