Austrian schools are grappling with a significant rise in the number of young children who struggle with German language skills. Recent official figures indicate that in Vienna alone, the percentage of first-graders who do not speak enough German to follow lessons has increased from 36 percent two years ago to 45 percent today.
Marie-Sophie Polay, a primary school teacher, highlights the challenges faced by children like six-year-old Mohamed, who comes from a migrant family. "Some are overwhelmed with everything and can't follow," Polay explains. Despite attending pre-school, many children are still encountering the German language for the first time once they enter kindergarten and school.
Interestingly, statistics reveal that 60 percent of the children lacking German language skills were born in Vienna and almost all attended pre-school child care. This points to a broader issue of inadequate integration within certain migrant communities.
In response to these concerns, city officials and Austria's new coalition government are considering extending mandatory kindergarten to two years. The goal is to provide more time for children to develop their German language abilities before starting formal education.
However, experts like Hannes Schweiger, an associate professor at the University of Vienna, caution that simply extending kindergarten may not be enough. "What we need in pre-school education is more highly qualified pre-school teachers who know how to support the language learning process," Schweiger advises. He emphasizes the current lack of pre-school teachers proficient in language-learning support as a significant barrier.
Primary school teachers like Polay agree, adding that the education system is already feeling the strain. "Teachers are burnt out or quitting the job," she warns. "It will be collapsing in some years."
The language situation in Austrian schools remains a hot topic in political campaigns, especially with Vienna's municipal elections approaching in April. Recent polls suggest that the migration-critical Freedom Party, which won the parliamentary elections last September, is expected to gain more support. As long as migration and integration issues remain at the forefront of voter concerns, politicians will continue to address these topics in their campaigns.
Ultimately, the phraseology from politicians will likely keep revolving around migration and integration, reflecting the ongoing challenges and the responses required to address them effectively.
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As language skills drop, Austria could extend mandatory kindergarten
cgtn.com
