Every fifth child in Austria is stuck in elementary school!

Every fifth child in Austria is stuck in elementary school!

In Austria, the education system is a central issue, especially when it comes to sitting at elementary schools. A current analysis shows that four years of elementary school is not feasible for all children. Loud profile Only around 80% of children graduate in the allotted time. This means that almost every fifth child has to repeat a grade. The repetition rates are alarmingly high, particularly among students who do not speak German at home: only 55% of children who do not use German as an everyday language can finish primary school in four years, while the figure is 82% for German-speaking children.

This trend raises questions, not only about language skills, but also about the structure and support in the Austrian school system. It becomes clear again and again that the reasons for repeating are not necessarily bad grades, but often result from a lack of knowledge of German. In Vienna, 57% of students who have repeated compulsory schooling have extraordinary status. A look at Vorarlberg shows that only 0.8% of children with German as their first language and 2.2% with another language repeat a level.

Logistical challenges and demands for change

The situation becomes particularly challenging when schools are merged. A director of a Viennese elementary school reports on the difficulties that arise from repetition. Children are torn from their usual class groups, which represents an additional burden for many. An education expert, Susanne Schwab, expresses concerns about the usefulness of repetitions and calls for early support for children in order not to put unnecessary strain on their school careers.

Repetitions not only affect your immediate school career - they can also lead to a negative attitude towards school and, in the long term, affect your chances of obtaining higher education or access to the job market. Alternative funding models have already taken root in Burgenland that rely on tutoring and targeted support to improve children's performance and promote their development.

Regulations on repeat examinations

Students who fail a compulsory subject have the option of retaking the exam. These tests usually take place on the first two school days of the new school year, unless otherwise ordered. Students have the opportunity to check whether they meet the requirements in a subject. If a student fails the exam, they can only retake it once, unless they are in the final stage of an internal school exam.

These examinations are usually assessed by the teacher concerned and an assessor appointed by the school management. If there is disagreement about the grades, the school management will decide. The details of these regulations can be found on the Ministry of Education website, which provides comprehensive information on how re-examinations are organized and carried out ( BMBS ).

In summary, it can be said that the problem of sitting in elementary school is by no means easy to solve. It is a complex interplay of linguistic, social and organizational factors that must be considered to promote educational equality and provide all children with the best possible school experience. A difference that could have a decisive impact on their future.