Changes to Hessian schools extend beyond mobile phone bans - Innovations in Hessen schools extend beyond mobile phone bans
The Hessian Minister of Culture, Armin Schwarz (CDU), has announced a series of changes for the upcoming 2025/2026 school year in Hessian schools. One of the most notable changes is a mobile phone ban aimed at reducing distractions and improving the learning environment.
Alongside this ban, the state is introducing several innovations to create a more focused, supportive, and tech-enhanced educational environment.
One such innovation is the introduction of the AI chatbot "telli". This educational assistant will be used to support students and teachers through digital means, facilitating personalized learning and administrative tasks. "Telli" will generate data protection-compliant texts, support teachers in lesson preparation, and help students with individual learning.
Another significant change is the increase in the number of school psychologists and counselors. With approximately 808,000 students expected to attend Hessian schools in the upcoming year, the psychological support for students will be expanded with 155 positions available, more than ever before. This expanded support will focus on mental health, nutrition, exercise, substance abuse prevention, and resilience for school staff.
Furthermore, two dedicated lessons per week will be available for refugee and immigrant children and youth to teach the basics of democracy, values, and norms. Additionally, an "online check" for mathematics will be available for students in grades four to six.
To assist teachers in value and democracy education, the "WERTvoll-Plattform" will be at their disposal. This information hub on the ministry's website will provide lesson examples, projects, and contacts to aid in teaching these crucial subjects.
The success of the school psychological video consultations for students in upper secondary schools will be continued, and exceptions to the mobile phone ban may occur in common rooms at upper secondary schools.
Finally, a new "Healthy School" competence center will focus on prevention, with a particular emphasis on mental health, nutrition, exercise, substance abuse prevention, and resilience for school staff in Hesse.
These initiatives together represent a move toward creating a more focused, supportive, and tech-enhanced educational environment in Hessian schools for the upcoming school year. The 2025/2026 school year begins next Monday.
- In addition to the mobile phone ban, the Hessian Community policy includes the implementation of the AI chatbot named "telli" to provide digital support for students and teachers, promoting personalized learning and administrative tasks.
- The educations-and-self-development sector of the Hessian employment policy will see an expansion in personal growth opportunities, with an increased focus on mental health, online learning resources, and skill development, through the introduction of a Healthy School competence center, school psychologists, and the WERTvoll-Plattform.
