Overview
- The 21 October Markus Lanz program focused on education, featuring principals Barbara Mächtle and Engin Çatik, parent representative Katja Rininsland, and SPD local official Steffen Burchhardt.
- Gräfenau-Grundschule’s Mächtle reported 447 of 459 pupils with a migration background and described first‑grade language and behavior deficits that slow instruction and strain staff.
- Çatik cited trauma, poverty and language gaps in his Berlin school and questioned the lack of a Kita obligation, calling for mandatory preschool to prepare children for primary classes.
- Burchhardt warned of acute teacher shortages in Saxony-Anhalt, noting roughly 1,000 to 1,500 open posts, while guests urged smaller classes and more resources.
- Context included an ARD survey showing 87% of primary teachers see greater deficits than a decade ago, references to over 60,000 students leaving school without a diploma, and strong viewer criticism on social media.