Kai Wegner discusses education: answering citizens' questions in Berlin!

Kai Wegner discusses education: answering citizens' questions in Berlin!

As part of his series of discussions "Kai Wegner on site", Berlin's governing mayor Kai Wegner will comment on various topics on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the youth center on Wutzkyallee 88 in Berlin. This includes areas such as educational, transport and rent policy, which is important for many citizens: inside. The event is moderated by Senate spokeswoman Christine Richter. Interested parties can register for participation by July 7, 2025, whereby media representatives are also invited, and there is the possibility of reporting on a split box. The registration deadline for press representatives is on the same day at 12:00 p.m.

Kai Wegner uses this platform to directly exchange information with the citizens: to exchange inside and to take their concerns. According to the press release of the Senate Department, the topics of the event are in the context of the current challenges with which Berlin is confronted. This is particularly important in times when the discussion about the design of the education system steps back on the agenda.

criticism of education federalism

Wegner has sharply criticized the structure of German education federalism recently. It demands a uniform structure of school forms in Germany to reduce confusion among parents, for example in the example of the integrated secondary school (ISS) in Berlin. According to Wegner, it is crucial to think again and to concentrate more on basic skills such as reading, writing and calculating. This is considered inevitable, especially according to the latest PISA studies that have disclosed deficits in the German education system.

A central point in Wegner's argument is that the current ban on cooperation between the federal and state governments is no longer up to date. He sees this an essential reason for the stagnant results that Germany receives in the international comparative studies. The Governing Mayor also speaks for a competition among the federal states, but without losing sight of the essential need for a uniform educational structure.

necessary reforms for equal opportunities

The results of the PISA study have been showing for years that Germany is investing in 16 different education systems instead of ensuring equal opportunities for all children. This urgent problem is also recognized by educational experts who demand that social injustices to be combated and increase the attractiveness of the teaching profession. Paths to improve also include better training and continuous training for teachers and investments in primary schools to strengthen the basic skills of the children.

The constant discussions about education policy and the adherence to educational federalism are considered reasons for the persistently bad results in international comparisons. Wegner is therefore not only with his criticism, but is part of a greater discourse on the need for a fundamental reform of the education system in order to meet the requirements of today. The goal remains to offer all children the same opportunities, regardless of their social background.