Education, 1945-89

Question 1

De-Nazification of education

Answer 1

Nazi rhetoric was so deeply ingrained within education

• They removed textbooks and teachers

Question 2

Article 30

Answer 2

The Lander had remained in control of their own states education, so the location of secular schools differed and the curriculums varied as well, with conflicts common between what to teach, e.g do they teach nazi history? how do they teach WW1?

Question 3

The 1955 Dusseldorf Agreement

Answer 3

Introduced a standardised federal school system:

4 years of primary education
Volkschule (for 4 years)
Mittelschule (for 6 years)
Gymnasium (elite, for 8 years)

Also standardised:

• The number of exam subjects
• Length of studies
• Length of holidays
• Beginning of school year
• Exam standards

Question 4

Effectiveness of the Dusseldorf Agreement

Answer 4

Not very effective

• Most Lander still differed in their provisions

The 1978 ‘Deficiencies Report’ found that the educational system needed to be more standardised, as the difference in education based on region could affect economic development

Question 5

Student underachievement

Answer 5

• It was known that the educational system was in disarray, and it would hinder economic development. Especially came to light in the 60s
• 70% of guest worker children did not get the Abitur
• Relatively few Germans attended full-time school until the age of 18 compared to the rest of Europe
• Few German youths went to uni
• Still very different opportunities and quality of education between regions

Question 6

Attempts at reforming the education system

Answer 6

While Willy Brandt wanted to make education a top priority when he came into power in 1969, there was still a disparity between the powers of federal and state governments over control of schools.