Government Funds for Education Should Be Linked to Reforms in Germany

The ifo Institute has called for additional government funding for digitalization and support measures in the education system to be tied to reforms, thus ensuring that such funding is used effectively. This position has been put forth in an article in ifo Schnelldienst by Ludger Wößmann, Director of the ifo Center for the Economics of Education. In the article, he outlines the requests for the next legislative period. “Education has been shown to be crucial to the future prosperity of individuals and societies,” Wößmann writes.

School closures due to the coronavirus pandemic highlighted just how much the acquisition of knowledge is affected by inadequate digital infrastructure and a lack of skills in handling digital teaching and learning processes. He calls for policymakers to invest in expanding broadband infrastructure to enable widespread participation in distance learning with video connectivity in schools and universities. Practical concepts for high-quality use of digital technologies are required, as well as learning software that adapts to each student’s level of learning, thus providing support tailored to their individual requirements. Teaching staff should receive training and support for the professional use of digital media.

“In Germany in particular, good educational opportunities are strongly associated with family background,” Wößmann continues. For that reason, Germany’s federal and state governments should together provide substantial funding for support measures for disadvantaged children and youths. It is important, he says, to provide targeted support for disadvantaged children from an early age and to support their families. All schools should offer remedial classes in the afternoon as well as programs during school vacations. Student teachers could be recruited as additional staff. In addition, investments should be made in extensive auxiliary offers outside of school, such as tutors and student mentors who provide tailored assistance to students who are falling behind.

“For these projects to happen, the government needs to provide more funding for education,” Wößmann says. “More reforms are needed to translate the additional funds into better educational outcomes.” The German federal government should enact an agreement that requires the Länder to introduce nationwide intermediate and final examinations. A common school exit exam, or Abitur, for the core subjects of math, German, English would make it possible to standardize exam components across Germany. In addition, Wößmann calls for structural reforms in the federal system and simplified administrative procedures for clearer regulation of responsibilities and accountability.