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Educating Germany

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The country which once prided itself on producing some of the world's leading philosophers and scientists is now struggling to keep up with international education standards. A report by the OECD ranked the school system near the bottom of a list of industrial nations. Germany invests too little on schools and teaching, students get too little instruction time, classes are too full and too few people are finishing university.

A wake-up call has gone out for politicians and educators. From demands for more money and national education policies to debates about all-day schools and the traditional three-tiered school structure, the consensus is that Germany can no longer take the education of its future generations for granted.

From Berlin to Bonn, educators, politicians and parents have recognized they must start doing their part to improve schools. The consequences of failure are imminent: poorly educated students are a burden to the economy while the best and brightest leave for opportunities abroad.

Read more about the education debate in Germany.

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Reports & Analysis

Bad Grades for German Schools

Germany’s school system has gotten bad marks yet again. An annual OECD report suggested that Germany spends too little on learning, students get too little instruction and too few people get university degrees.

Report Blames School Failures for Dampening German Economy

The latest OECD report assessing international education has not only given the German system poor marks, but also says it is partially responsible for the country's economic downturn.

Germany Falling Behind in the Technology Race

Insufficient investment in education and research threatens Germany's high-tech standing in the world as fewer opt for degrees in the sciences. The technology slump could have long-term economic ramifications.

Tuition Fees for German Students?

Members of Germany's governing coalition believe university students might soon have to pay tuition fees, a plan the opposition favors. Germany's highest court is expected to rule on a tuition ban later this year.

Are German Universities Losing Their Luster?

Chancellor Schröder wants to reform the education system this year and the media is awash with talk of “elite universities.” But many are already in dire straits, a far cry from the country’s legendary academic yore.

Report Lambastes German Schools

The first-ever nationwide education report for Germany released Friday has castigated the country’s “fault-riddled school system” and urged policymakers to make education a priority despite budgetary constraints.

Germany Moves To All-Day Schools

The establishment of 10,000 all-day schools across the country is just part of a €4 billion investment program to boost education standards in Germany that began on Monday.

East German School Outshines Competitors

East Germany discarded the socialist rule that all of its citizens were equal when it came to select schools. Only one such school remains. Could Germany learn from it?

Germany To Spend €1.9 Billion To Develop Elite Universities

Berlin is planning to give its stagnating university system a shot in the arm with a €1.9 billion program to create Germany's version of Ivy League elite colleges. Officials hope it will spur academic competition.

Germans Mull Sweeping Education Reforms

After getting bad grades from the OECD, German politicians are calling for extensive reforms of the nation's schools. It's not enough to spend more money, the education system needs to be completely re-worked, they said.

Germany To Introduce Federal School Standards

In the wake of a dismal showing in an international survey of students’ education, Germany moves to introduce standardized curriculums and testing in each of the country’s schools.

Germany Searching For Education Solutions

An international test that German students took in 2000 forced officials to begin asking difficult questions about the country's education system. Countries like Sweden may help provide some of the answers.