School Education

It should be emphasized that there are almost as many young people from immigrant families who matriculate as young people born in Dresden. That is not the case everywhere in Saxony. However, there is a high percentage of youth who leave school without a degree. For that reason, immigrant children and young people have to be well integrated in school. In order to do this, there is a three step program in Saxony. In the first stage, is the attendance of a preparation class in order to obtain or improve a basic knowledge of the German language. In the second stage, the children and young people take part in some of the standard classes. This works especially well in school subjects that require very little language. In the third stage, the children and young people attend normal classes. The class “German as a second language” is then secondary. The need for preparation classes is rising because of the influx of asylum seekers.

Children and young people have to attend school, regardless of their residential status; they are subject to the mandatory school attendance. It is important parents are sufficiently informed since many do not know that their children have to go to school.

For a several years, there are have been special professionals in social work at many schools, who help children and young people as well as their families with everyday questions and everyday problems. Even immigrant families can get their support.

The Ausländerrat Dresden association offers educational integration for immigrant children and young people, with name of “educational sponsors.”

By 2020, the Dresden city administration should take the following steps:

• Expansion and improvement of the social work services in the schools