Violence in schools

Polaschek also wants to lower the age of criminal responsibility

(Bild: krone.tv)

In an interview on krone.tv, Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) hopes that the reform of teacher training that has just been passed by the Council of Ministers will provide a major incentive to tackle the shortage of teachers: "We have had a strong wave of retirements in recent years. And we have seen that quite a few people are now only working part-time and no longer want to teach full-time."

"All of this has meant that the demand for teachers has increased more than expected. However, the numbers will level out again over the next few years."

The teacher training reform should also increase practical relevance. However, there are two strands to the recruitment of teachers. Polaschek: "We are also using a lateral entry model to bring people into schools who previously had different life and professional experience. There is now a strict selection process for this, which not everyone passes. But all those who pass the selection system can then apply for a position at the school. We are extremely interested in this system."

Education Minister Martin Polaschek

(Bild: krone.tv)

"Need a different approach"
There is also a great need for action in the area of school violence, as crimes are being committed by younger and younger people. Polaschek: "We are facing a major challenge here. Chancellor Nehammer has rightly proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility. We need a different way of dealing with young offenders. That doesn't mean that they will all go to prison straight away. But it is clear that we have to clearly side with the victims here and show our colors." The appropriate age of criminal responsibility should be decided by experts. Polaschek: "One thing is clear: the current age (14, note) can no longer be the age. We simply have to do more to protect young women in particular."