Overview

• The NRW Landtag passed a law enabling Realschulen to permanently integrate Hauptschulzweige, addressing the decline of standalone Hauptschulen.
• The legislation allows Realschulen to establish Hauptschulzweige starting from grade 5, expanding on previous temporary measures at 18 schools.
• The amendment includes funding for 80 additional teaching positions to support 32 Realschulen with integrated Hauptschulbildungsgänge.
• Opposition parties and teacher associations criticized the move, citing inadequate resources, risks to teaching quality, and challenges of managing mixed classes.
• The law also extends regulations for Islamic religious instruction in NRW schools until July 2031, maintaining collaboration with Islamic organizations.