Minister calls for more autonomy for state schools

Luxembourg's education minister wants to give state schools more autonomy, he announced ahead of the start of the new school year on September 15.

When Claude Meisch accepted his ministerial post in October 2013, he inherited a controversial, incomplete school reform, which was widely opposed by teachers.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he recognised that the country's education system was neither all bad nor all good.

However, he said the reform could only move forward if schools were given stronger autonomy.

This does not mean that schools develop their own curriculum and programmes, simply that they define their teaching approaches based on the complex socio-cultural roots of the pupils and students.

Harming social cohesion

Mr Meisch said the current trend was for parents to send their children to private schools in Luxembourg because there is insufficient offer of French and English-only disciplines.

“A large inflow to private schools could harm the social cohesion, which is why we must strengthen the language options in state secondary schools,” he said.

The secondary school reform is currently being reviewed by the Luxembourg state council, which is expected to give a verdict in autumn.

Mr Meisch said that the new draft law would be revised to include elements about strengthening school autonomy. However, the minister said it would not be completely changed.

“ A large inflow to private schools could harm the social cohesion, which is why we must strengthen the language options in state secondary schools

Pre-school

The minister echoed statements made earlier this year regarding plans to shake up the pre-school system. He reiterated that pre-schools which are bilingual in French and Luxembourgish would not only benefit children from a migration background but also Luxembourgers who may find it difficult to master the French language.

On Monday, close to 100,000 students will begin a new school year in Luxembourg schools. Of that number, 46,870 are registered at primary schools and 41,063 in secondary.

Among the latter group, 200 students will take classes in a brand-new building at the Lycée Lënster in Junglinster.

Other changes expected during the new school year include a reform of teacher training in the technical stream of secondary schools. Meanwhile, the PISA education survey will be conducted in all secondary schools in April and May next year.

Translated from an article by Joëlle Merges

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