FDP strategy: Pupils should learn reading, writing and arithmetic
Published: Saturday, Jun 22nd 2024, 15:50
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The FDP Switzerland wants to restructure elementary school. Elementary school should teach the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. Priority should be given to learning the local first language. According to the party, the integrative school does not achieve these goals. The FDP wants to retain school grades.
The elementary school is at its limit, said party president Thierry Burkart at the delegates' meeting in Möriken AG on Saturday. It is being overstretched.
The impression is that everything that society demands of schools has to be solved within schools. "Society has been waiting for us to discuss this," said Burkart. The FDP would do well to adopt clear positions. He had received many positive reactions.
The party outlines its demands for the reorientation of elementary school in a strategy paper entitled "Primary school at the limit: back to the educational mission". The delegates adopted the paper with 249 votes in favor, 4 against and 7 abstentions. They had previously discussed two dozen amendments, the majority of which were rejected.
First language more important than foreign language
The FDP wants the focus to be on learning the local first language in lower school. Only then should pupils have to learn a second or foreign language, according to the paper.
On this point, the delegates weakened the strategy presented: Initially, the paper stated that early French and early English should be removed from the timetable.
However, the FDP would like to abolish integrative schools. Pupils' existing weaknesses should be targeted and individually supported. Artificial and very "expensive egalitarianism" in the form of integration without exception benefits no one and undermines equal opportunities.
Understanding the language of instruction
According to the party, foreign-language children should consistently learn the local language before entering elementary school. Special classes that initially focus on language acquisition should also be examined. Understanding the language of instruction is an essential prerequisite for equal opportunities.
In the paper, the FDP continues to speak out against "ideologically motivated attempts" to abolish school grades. The performance principle is important for the development of children's resilience. In the party's view, there is no place for ideological and "woke" teaching materials. The subject matter should be taught as neutrally as possible.
Against educational bureaucracy
The position paper lists 17 areas for action. For example, there should be fewer forms and more teaching in elementary school. Teachers should also be rewarded for their performance, it says. Educational bureaucrats should be stopped and teachers and specialists should be strengthened.
The paper calls for more respect in the classroom. Smartphones should be banned from the classroom at primary school level. When using digital tools at school, the opportunities should be exploited and the risks recognized.
Burkart remains party president
Aargau Councillor of States Burkart will remain at the helm of the party for another two years. The delegates confirmed Burkart in office with much applause. The 48-year-old lawyer has been President of the Federal Council party since 2021.
The delegates also adopted the slogans on the two proposals for the federal referendum on September 22. The "yes" vote on the pension fund reform was passed by 272 votes to 2. It was said to be a good and important reform. The delegates recommended rejecting the biodiversity initiative by 256 votes to 5.
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