Return for More Inclusion Instead of Special Schools in Austria

Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) criticizes that in some federal states, there is again increased investment in special schools. He sees the construction of new special schools "as problematic and as a breach of the values of UN conventions to which we are committed," said Wiederkehr on Thursday during a question session in the National Council. Due to the distribution of competencies, the federal government has no possibility to intervene in the school structure of the federal states.

Wiederkehr for More Inclusive School Forms

However, he will continue to advocate for the expansion of inclusive school forms. Because all children should have the best educational opportunities, including children with disabilities and chronic illnesses, emphasized the Education Minister. The reintroduction of a special education training program, as agreed in the government program, is "still in the discussion process," said Wiederkehr. A first substantive discussion with experts is planned for the spring.

New Subject Democracy Education Still in Planning Process

The implementation of the planned subject Democracy Education is also still not very concrete. There have been initial consultations with experts, said Wiederkehr in response to a related question. The consultations on the concrete design of the new subject are still an ongoing process, after which a curriculum working group will be convened.

Greens Criticize Lack of Implementation

Criticism came from the Greens. "Minister Wiederkehr must not hide behind the federal states and his good declarations of intent," said the acting parliamentarian Sigrid Maurer in a statement. She urged him to "take action and largely prevent this practice, which sorts out children, by decree - because all children have a right to education, whether with or without disabilities."

ÖVP Mediating Between Federal and State Governments

ÖVP General Secretary Nico Marchetti, on the other hand, rejected criticism of the federal states. They "do not need calls on how to design inclusive education, but support." Instead of criticism, measures should be taken at the federal level itself - with the reintroduction of a special education teaching degree program as agreed in the coalition agreement. "To maintain high educational standards and further improve quality, the best possible cooperation between the federal and state governments is needed," said Marchetti.

(APA/Red)

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