For the PLR, the school must return to its “initial mission”

– For the PLR, the school must return to its “initial mission”

The PLR particularly wants to eliminate inclusive schooling in favor of targeted support and place emphasis on learning the first language.

Published today at 3:21 p.m.

For party president Thierry Burkart, the theme of school concerns people.

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The PLR wants to reform compulsory schooling, which must transmit the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. According to the party, inclusive schools do not achieve these objectives. The first language must be given priority and grades maintained.

“Compulsory school running out of steam: return to its initial mission”: this is the title of the position paper that the delegates, meeting in Möriken (AG), adopted on Saturday by 249 votes to 4 with 7 abstentions. They voted on around twenty amendments which were mostly rejected.

This theme concerns people, declared party president Thierry Burkart: “Society was waiting for us to discuss it.” The PLR would do well to take clear positions.

Priority to first language

Priority should be given to learning the first language. Secondary or foreign languages should only be taught when children master the first local language, the document says.

Delegates softened the strategy on this point. A first version of the document called for early learning of German and English to be abolished.

The PLR, on the other hand, wants to abolish inclusive schools. Students with difficulties must be able to be supported in a targeted and individual manner. “Artificial and very costly” standardization in the form of unlimited inclusion benefits no one and undermines equal opportunities, the party believes.

Understanding the language of instruction

Allophone students should systematically learn the local language before starting school, according to the party. Classes dedicated exclusively to language learning should be considered. Understanding the language of instruction is an imperative condition for equal opportunities.

In its document, the PLR opposes “ideological attempts” to remove the notes; the principle of performance is important for the development of children’s resilience. For the PLR, “woke” ideology and educational materials have no place. The transmission of the material taught must be as neutral as possible.

Less bureaucracy

In total, the position paper lists 17 areas of action. There must therefore be less paperwork and more teaching. Teachers’ performances must be rewarded and feedback from the field more considered.

The document also calls for more respect in classrooms, a ban on smartphones in primary schools as well as thoughtful use of digital tools permanently adapted to scientific knowledge.

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