In recent years, there has been a tripling of suspensions in Austria's schools, Wiederkehr reported. This occurs when the children or adolescents pose a danger to themselves or others. Many affected individuals have then spent their time in shopping centers or parks, which is now set to change. The suspension accompaniment, amounting to at least eight hours, will include educational and socio-educational measures, such as those provided by school psychologists.
In case of school dropout: "Perspective discussion" will also be introduced
Another measure aimed at ensuring safety in schools will be decided by the government on Wednesday in the Council of Ministers. Students from the ninth grade onwards must have a mandatory "perspective discussion" with at least one trusted teacher before dropping out of school from the coming school year. For minors, guardians must also participate in the discussion, and refusal can also result in administrative fines.
In Austria, young people leave school without a degree every year, emphasized Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP). Many of them are left completely without perspective, "we cannot and will not accept that." This is precisely why the government is also deciding on suspension accompaniment and perspective discussions. "We catch young people before they completely fall out of the system," said Plakolm.
Greens miss personnel
"The mandatory suspension accompaniment and the planned perspective discussion are important measures," emphasized the deputy club chairwoman and education spokesperson of the Greens, Sigrid Maurer. Once again, there are big announcements, while the framework conditions for implementation are completely lacking. There are still too few school psychologists and social workers in schools.
(APA/Red.)
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