Overcrowded Classrooms of Up To 80 Pupils in Their Maximum Capacity

In Berlin, the beginning of the new school year has brought about a significant challenge for Integrated Secondary Schools (ISS), as student numbers have increased, leading to overcrowded classes and a strain on teaching resources.

According to reports, in almost 80 classes, the fixed upper limit of 26 students is exceeded. In several districts, such as Mitte, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Tempelhof-Schoeneberg, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, and even Spandau and Neukoelln, classes have up to 28 students. This overcrowding has left little space in some ISS rooms for additional benches.

The increased student population also means an increased number of children with special needs. However, the quotas for these students in ISS have been exceeded, with the rule being four children per class. Not all needs are diagnosed, and the share of children with special needs in the student body is increasing.

Sven Zimmerschied from the Association of ISS School Principals has expressed his concern, stating that the overcrowded classes were foreseeable, and no precautions were taken. State parents' representative Norman Heise shares this sentiment, attributing the issue to the intensified access to gymnasiums and a rushed transition.

Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch, however, dismisses the criticism, seeing overcrowded classes as isolated incidents. She also asserts that the new admissions process is not related to the overcrowded classes.

The situation has led to a high demand for school social workers, as the increased friction in social togetherness caused by overcrowded classes may exacerbate issues.

The responsibility for coordinating and planning schools, including ISS, to minimise classroom overcrowding and optimise teaching staff resources lies with the Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family (Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie), specifically through its school planning and development units.

It's worth noting that Berlin faces a teacher shortage, with 580 applicants for lateral entry into teaching this year. This underscores the need for a long-term solution to address the issue of overcrowded classes and ensure quality teaching.

Heise criticises the education administration for not taking action to prevent the issue, calling it predictable. As the school year progresses, it remains to be seen how Berlin's education system will adapt and overcome these challenges.