The teacher shortage is getting worse. “We have done nothing wrong,” said Education Minister Martin Polaschek. In the INQUIRIED talk with moderator Conny Winiwarter, he cites the pandemic and part-time jobs as the main causes. And how would it be possible to curb instances of abuse in schools? “I don’t know how we can improve the system here.” A conversation about reforms, funding, new curricula and scientific skepticism.
The teacher shortage is a ‘European phenomenon’, explains Polaschek. The current demand was unforeseeable. Of course, measures were taken anyway – in the form of “two reception waves”: to relieve the teachers, the administrative staff was increased by 75 percent and the number of social workers in schools is also increasing.
The training will be adjusted to make the profession more attractive again. For example, it must also be possible for career changers to gain a foothold in the profession. Polaschek would like to strengthen the image of the profession: “I think it is important to get the image of teachers back in order” – in the positive public spotlight.
„Aptitude tests cannot filter out abusers“
The current cases of abuse leave the Minister of Education stunned. “I don’t know how we can improve the system here,” he admits. Polaschek emphasizes that there is a strict selection process. How strict this actually can – and can – in view of the dire staff shortage remains open. “Ability tests cannot filter out abusers,” Polaschek paints a bad picture.
‘Unis have enough money for 2023’
Last week, the ÖH demanded the resignation of Minister Polaschek. “If you talk to the universities, you will get the same answer as I did,” he says. Which answer is that? That in 2023 you can manage well with the financial resources. He puts the fact that universities have to close during the Christmas holidays into perspective with the words: “Many institutions do this to save energy.” He locates excessive communication of an innocent measure.
Bad research on German tutoring: ‘I take the results very seriously’
Alderman for Education Christoph Wiederkehr describes them from black to blue as a “prestige project” and wants to abolish them: the controversial German remedial classes. The current evaluation study with devastating results is no reason for Polaschek: “The study does not state that the remedial classes should be abolished, there is only room for improvement.” Two of the four biggest points of criticism have already been responded to, as Polaschek explained this extensively in the interview.
You can see the entire interview with Martin Polaschek in the video above. ASKED there‘s live every day at 9:30 a.m. on krone.tv.
What do you think of current educational issues? Is education minister Polaschek on the right track? Comment with us!
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
