Berlin (epd). The planned CDU/SPD coalition in Berlin wants to change the school landscape in parts. In addition to the introduction of an elective subject, ideology/religions, as a regular subject, free schools are also to be strengthened, as can be seen from the coalition agreement presented in Berlin on Monday. Independent schools should receive additional funding if they work inclusively and ensure a social mix of the students.
According to the government program, the probationary period for newly founded free schools will be reduced to two years. So far, new schools have had to get by for three years without state subsidies if the sponsors are unknown. With well-known school authorities such as the Evangelical School Foundation in the Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia (EKBO), it has already been two years. “In this respect, nothing changes for us here,” said spokeswoman Christina Reiche.
With 33 schools and 17 after-school care centers in Berlin and Brandenburg, the Evangelische Schulstiftung is the largest independent educational institution in the capital region. There are also signs of a paradigm shift in religious education. After decades as a voluntary offer from the religious communities in the off-peak hours, the coalition of CDU and SPD wants to introduce an elective subject world views/religions as a regular subject. The compulsory subject of ethics introduced in 2006 will remain in its current form.
The churches, religious and ideological communities are described in the coalition agreement as “enriching partners in the commitment to social cohesion”. The prerequisite for the changes is that the majority of the Berlin SPD members agree to the 134-page contract by April 21
