Number of Children and Adolescents in German Support Classes Has Risen Sharply

In the 2023/24 school year, according to Statistics Austria, around 49,100 students were in German support classes or courses, about a third more than in 2018/19. The vast majority were primary school students, namely almost 39,700. Children who do not sufficiently master the language of instruction and are therefore considered extraordinary students receive special German lessons for up to two years: either up to 20 hours per week in separate support classes or six hours in support courses. In subjects such as crafts, music, or physical education, they participate in the lessons of their regular class.

More Children and Adolescents in German Support Classes Due to Russian War of Aggression Against Ukraine

About 52 percent of the children attended a German support class, the rest a German support course. Only 20 percent of these support offerings were integrative. The majority thus took place in separate classes or groups, as shown by the current response to a parliamentary inquiry by the FPÖ from Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS). This also corresponds to the current guideline: From eight affected students at the location, a separate support class or group must be set up. However, Wiederkehr wants to give schools more autonomy in this matter in the future.

In the 2022/23 school year, there were around 45,700 children in German support classes and courses, in 2021/22 there were still about 32,700 and thus a similar number as in previous years. According to Statistics Austria, the jump in numbers was mainly due to immigration, the majority from people from Ukraine. Due to the survey date on October 1, the refugee movement from Ukraine in the spring of 2022 was only reflected in the 2022/23 school year. In the first year of the measure, there were around 35,300 children in German support classes and courses, in 2019/20 there were just under 30,900 and in 2020/21 around 31,700.

Orientation Classes for Children and Adolescents Without Experience with Educational Institutions in Progress

Because recently, due to family reunification, more children and adolescents have entered the Austrian school system who grew up in refugee camps and have no experience with educational institutions, the government is currently also working on the introduction of so-called orientation classes. There, they should first be taught basic German skills and basic skills for attending school for a maximum of one semester before they enter a regular or German support class. At the same time, parents should also be informed about rules and obligations in society and in the school context.

(APA/Red)

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