Podcast: More Freedom for Better Education? What School Autonomy Can Bring – If Teachers Want It

This article discusses the potential benefits of school autonomy, drawing on the Italian experience with its school autonomy law since 2000. The podcast "Bildung, bitte!" features Josef Watschinger, a former headmaster instrumental in implementing the Italian law, and Silvia Mehlich, a member of the German citizens' council for education and learning. They discuss how greater freedom for schools to manage their pedagogy, finances, and administration could lead to more innovative and tailored approaches to learning, particularly for students with diverse needs. While Watschinger highlights the positive impact of autonomy in Italy, he cautions that it requires active engagement and responsibility from schools and teachers. He also points out key differences between the German and Italian education systems, such as the inclusive nature of Italian schools and the later age at which students are streamed into different educational tracks. Mehlich, inspired by the Italian model, advocates for a "reset" in the German education system to provide more individualized support for students and address inequalities. Ultimately, the article suggests that school autonomy, when embraced proactively, can be a powerful tool for improving education and fostering equity.

April 5, 2025

Cover StoryCitizens' Council on Education and LearningEqual OpportunitiesIndividual SupportSchool Autonomy

Source: News4Teacher

Article Content

Podcast: More Freedom for Better Education? What School Autonomy Can Bring – If Teachers Want It

April 4, 2025

This article explores the concept of school autonomy and its potential impact on education, drawing parallels from Italy's experience with its School Autonomy Law. The discussion raises important questions about how much freedom schools need to cater to individual student needs and adapt to a rapidly changing world.

How Much Freedom Do Schools Need?

BONN. How much freedom do schools need? For over 20 years, Italy has had a School Autonomy Law which offers schools far-reaching creative leeway. But what does that mean for the quality of education – and what can Germany learn from it? Moderator Andreas Bursche discusses this in the podcast “Bildung, bitte!” with Josef Watschinger, former headmaster from South Tyrol and one of the pioneers of the School Autonomy Law, and Silvia Mehlich, a member of the Citizens' Council for Education and Learning.

Since 2000, Italy has had the School Autonomy Law. It allows schools to decide, according to their needs, which pedagogical concepts they pursue, which formats they use to impart skills, and how they organise their administration and finances. For Josef Watschinger, who was still in the school service at the time, this was a very big step. Suddenly there was freedom to design the school yourself.

"I Think It Would Be Good If There Was This Reset"

Citizens' Council member Sylvia Mehlich would like to see Germany rethinking schools again. "I think it would be good if there was this reset," says the mother of three children, two with dyscalculia. Together with more than 700 people, as a member of the Citizens' Council for Education and Learning of the Montag Stiftung Denkwerkstatt, she is working on recommendations for politicians on how education in Germany can be improved.

Mehlich, as the mother of children with dyscalculia, has experienced that the current school system is not suitable for everyone – and raises the question: "How can that be?" Only the change to a private school in the neighbouring town was able to improve her child's situation. "The system was completely different there. So mathematics was taught there, not head-on at the board, but using examples." One experience is particularly memorable for her: When the class entered the thousands in mathematics lessons, the students built a large football stadium to make the amount more tangible. For some children, the lessons simply have to be more vivid, says Mehlich.

"An Autonomy Law Alone Does Not Change School Yet"

One way to discover such new solutions is more autonomy for schools, according to Josef Watschinger's experience with the School Autonomy Law. "We have the opportunity for schools to network with each other and try together to get a grip on the tasks that are pending. And that is much easier than if each school has to do it itself."

For example, a new format has emerged for students who exhibit behavioural problems. "We have now set up an old farm, an external place of learning where children and young people [...] can do something different that may help them get back on the path of learning." Watschinger is convinced that more autonomy for schools could have a positive impact on the equal opportunities of students. Citizens' councillor Mehlich also agrees with this. From her point of view, schools need more freedom to respond to the different learning needs of children.

However: "An autonomy law alone does not change school yet," admits former headmaster Watschinger. This can be seen in the schools in Italy that do not move – despite the opportunities available to them. Developments are only possible if they come from within: "Schools must design themselves from within." It is about using freedom and taking responsibility for the schools, existing challenges and possible solutions. The attitude of the teachers is also decisive.

Big Differences Between Germany and Italy

Against this background, Watschinger points to two significant differences between the education system in Germany and Italy: For example, Italy has had an inclusive school system for many years, in which all children learn together regardless of their individual stages of development. The school is responsible for providing students with the necessary support to take their next development steps, says Watschinger. In practice, students with dyslexia, for example, may write their work on a laptop with a spell checker. In addition, he also calls the early selection of children in Germany after the fourth grade "a major problem". Italy relies on a school for all until grade 8, after which the students can decide which secondary school they want to switch to.

Provocatively asked why Germany should change its school system at all, it has worked well for decades, Watschinger replies: "We do not see that it should also be a part of education that schools have to move because the world around them is changing, there are new needs and needs. Today, we need to rethink and involve students as early as possible in the major challenges that we have to overcome." News4teachers

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Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering and exceeding the German curriculum, including forward-thinking subjects like Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Skills, Critical Thinking, and Sustainability.
Personalized Learning: AI-driven platform adapts to each child's unique learning pace and style, ensuring a stress-free and effective educational journey.
Future-Ready Skills: Equipping children with the practical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world, whether as entrepreneurs, innovators, or problem-solvers.
Safe and Flexible Environment: Learn from anywhere in a secure environment. Ideal for families embracing a global lifestyle, such as Digital Nomads.

BlitzFast was created by Engin, a father of four, who witnessed firsthand the shortcomings of traditional schooling and the need for a better educational alternative for his children. He envisioned a platform that not only imparts academic knowledge but also nurtures creativity, independence, and digital literacy.

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Key Takeaways

Traditional schooling models are being questioned for their adaptability and ability to meet individual student needs.
School autonomy and personalized learning are gaining recognition as potential solutions.
BlitzFast offers a cutting-edge, AI-powered online education platform designed to prepare children for success in the 21st century.
You have the opportunity to shape the future of education by joining the BlitzFast test group.

This article is based on content from News4Teacher. Visit the original source for more information.

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