Court Questions Legal Basis of Baden-Württemberg's New Gymnasium Admission Test

The Verwaltungsgericht Karlsruhe has raised concerns about the legality of the Potenzialtest, a key component of the state's revised school placement system.

• The Potenzialtest, introduced in February 2025, is required for students whose parents seek Gymnasium admission against a differing Grundschulempfehlung.
• The Verwaltungsgericht Karlsruhe expressed doubts about the legal foundation of the test, criticizing the delegation of key educational decisions to administrative bodies like the IBBW.
• The court noted that neither the Schulgesetz nor the Aufnahmeverordnung specify minimum requirements for the test, leaving its standards to administrative discretion.
• Opposition figures, including FDP's Hans-Ulrich Rülke, described the court's stance as a severe critique of the state government, highlighting broader dissatisfaction with the reforms.
• The Kultusministerium defended the test, arguing that its criteria are consistent with other standardized assessments, such as the Abitur.

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