Significant Change in School Policy Revealed
The Mornings at Lindenschule: A Classroom Revolution
When the sun rises on Gießerpfad and lessons commence at Lindenschule, an unexpected presence graces the primary school classroom. Alongside the teacher stands a dedicated school companion, tending to a child battling behavioral challenges, another fighting chronic illness, and yet another who doesn't speak German fluently.
Since 2019, Lindenschule has been a pioneer in the systemic school accompaniment experiment, a concept enthusiastically embraced by four other Krefeld schools, including Astrid-Lindgren-Schule, Südschule, Paul-Gerhardt-Schule, and Buchenschule. By 2026, the ranks will grow with the additions of Haus der Bildung and Kompass-Schule.
School principal Claudia Gehlings elucidates the concept, "This is a game-changer for us." The predetermined deployment of pedagogical specialists within the classroom, or the 'system', allows parents the right to individualized case assistance for their child with unique needs. By leveraging the presence of general school companions, Krefeld has managed to save 18 individual case helpers so far, all thanks to a city-devised concept conceived in 2018.
With systemic school accompaniment, teachers are free to focus on their primary mission: teaching. Children with special needs receive the consistent care and support they deserve. Susanne Schumacher, a trained pedagogical and inclusive specialist, shares her experience, "I can pick out students who require support and work with them individually or in small groups, whether it be lesson materials or behavior."
The presence of school companions doesn't disrupt the learning environment. In the modern classroom, students work independently, each at their unique pace, on various tasks. Schumacher's familiarity allows her to form personal relationships with the students, sensing their needs and any underlying mental burdens. Her insights into their well-being and lesson material gaps further benefit her during afternoon homework support.
Currently, 20 school companions bolster Lindenschule's support system. The city of Krefeld's investment in this model leads to substantial savings compared to funding individual case helpers. City Director Markus Schön calculates an annual savings of 900,000 euros. "This is a rigorous challenge," Schön admits, given the budget constraints, "Yet, it's an investment in our future." Ellen Schön, head of the city's school department, echoes his sentiment: "The concept holds lasting benefits for society as a whole." As the little ones blossom into educated, healthy adults, the benefits ripple throughout society.
However, it's essential to note that systemic school accompaniment encompasses a broader, holistic approach to school development and teaching quality. It involves multiple stakeholders, such as teachers, school leaders, parents, and students, working collaboratively to reflect, act, and foster sustainable changes within the school system. Systemic school accompaniment serves as a vehicle for professional growth among teachers, leading to improved learning environments and educational outcomes for students.
In the context of Lindenschule's classroom revolution, the economic and social policy of systemic school accompaniment involves a holistic approach to education and personal-growth, focusing on the individual needs of each student through the collaboration of teachers, school leaders, parents, and students. This collaborative learning-and-self-development approach not only benefits the students, but also holds lasting benefits for society as a whole, exemplified by improved educational outcomes and increased savings by investing in this model.
