North Rhine-Westphalia’s (NRW) state government is developing plans to integrate significantly increased student-teacher placements within the teacher training program. This initiative aims to provide future educators with more practical experience alongside established teachers.
According to NRW Education Minister Dorothee Feller, the move responds to a consistent desire expressed by teacher trainees for greater practical exposure during their studies. Speaking to the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, Minister Feller highlighted the dual aim of alleviating pressure on the mandatory post-graduate internship, known as the Referendariat, while simultaneously preparing prospective teachers for the realities of school life at an earlier stage.
The government is also indicating a willingness to revisit aspects of the controversial Central Secondary Level Examination, designated ‘ZP10’. Minister Feller acknowledged that feedback from educators regarding the examination is being considered. While reaffirming the examination’s purpose – to reinforce and consolidate knowledge gained during the middle school years and its impact on later academic performance – she stated a readiness to re-evaluate the system in response to substantive critique. This signals a degree of flexibility within the government’s approach to education policy, prioritizing ongoing dialogue with stakeholders.
