What is school for?

Old school blackboard. Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena) - In a new book, educationalists from the University of Jena put the system of schools to the test Whereas some countries 'simply' have compulsory educa­tion, other states such as Germany rely for the education of children and young people on the legal requirement to attend the publicly recognised institution that is 'the school'. In view of this clear definition, it is surprising that although schools are regularly discussed in connection with the results of new studies, performance assessments and arguments about political responsibilities, the system as a whole is rarely questioned. Educationalists at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany have now done just that in a new book entitled 'System Schule auf dem Prüfstand' (School as a system under scru­tiny). In their contributions, they ana­ly­se various dimensions of meaning of the insti­tution, shed more light on matters that appear to be self-evident and investigate the question: 'What is the school actually for'' - School students should fit into society. " At first glance, the institution of the school has one main goal: at the end of their school­days, pupils should fit into society ," says Ralf Koerrenz of the University of Jena, who published the book together with his colleague Nils Berkemeyer. " A school qualification equips them with job-oriented competences, with which they can ensure the further eco­nomic development of society.