Overview
- In a March survey week, schools recorded 9.1% of lessons canceled without a substitute, down from 11.0% a year earlier.
- Vocational schools also improved, with cancellations easing to 8.7% from 9.9% according to the ministry.
- The level roughly matched the fall reading of 9.2%, which the ministry says shows the usual rise from fall to spring did not occur this school year.
- Education Minister Christian Tischner said quicker hiring and more flexible staff deployment delivered the gains, while calling every lost lesson one too many.
- The government plans to start age-based reduced teaching loads at 60 instead of 55, with three hours from 63 and four from 66, a move unions criticize as shortages persist in rural secondary schools.