Kretschmann Advocates for Teacher Recommendations in New School Placement Policy

The policy introduces a more binding recommendation system for fourth graders, combining teacher input, parent preference, and a standardized test.

A new school placement policy for fourth graders in Baden-Württemberg will rely on teacher recommendations, a standardized test, and parental input, with two out of three factors determining placement.
Ministerpräsident Winfried Kretschmann urged parents to trust teacher recommendations, emphasizing their objective judgment in determining the best path for students.
The standardized test, 'Kompass 4,' faced criticism for its challenging math section, prompting officials to commit to revising the test for the next school year.
The policy aims to address declining academic performance among primary school students, as recent studies show significant struggles in core subjects like math and German.
A separate initiative includes expanded language support for preschoolers with language difficulties, featuring intensive weekly training and junior classes starting in 2026 for those needing further assistance.