Shortening the length of time spent at academic secondary schools : facts and results in refection of political decisions

Abstract

"Determining the optimal length of the time spent at school is doubtless a question of fundamental importance in educational policy. Here the political decision-makers are faced with the conflicting goals of aspects of quality and quantity. On the one hand, the increased demand for qualifications on the labour market requires education of higher quality which gives pupils sufficient time to develop knowledge, skills and choose a career. On the other hand, a shorter time at school and, connected with this, an earlier entry into a carrier can serve a more efficient use of the potential of young people. Against the background of the demographic change, not only individual benefits can result from the gain in lifelong working time (for example, in the form of additional income or relatively early and more comprehensive working experience), but macroeconomic increases in welfare can also result (for instance, through additional contributions to tax and social security systems)." (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku)

Cite article

Anger, S. & Thomsen, S. (2018): Die Schulzeitverkürzung am Gymnasium. Fakten und Ergebnisse im Spiegel politischer Entscheidungen. In: Journal für LehrerInnenbildung No. 2, p. 37-44.