Early Learning

The German primary school system develops a high reading level in most children, according to a 2006 IGLU survey of primary school reading skills, which was published in Berlin on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Germany's Education Minister Annette Schavan said the results showed that the country's primary schools were "playing at the top international level." A total of 397 German schools and 7,900 students took part in the study.

"German primary schools have done their homework," said Wilfried Bos, the study's director for Germany. "We have again clearly and substantially improved."

Smaller gender differences

Italy (8th), Hungary (9th) and Sweden (10th), which finished first in the last IGLU survey in 2001, came in ahead of Germany in reading skills, but not by statistically significant margins, according to the survey. Germany placed above the EU and OECD averages.

Russia, which excluded more students than any other participating country from the test, placed first, ahead of Hong Kong and Canada. Bos said Germany could have improved its position had it kept more than 0.7 percent of fourth graders from taking part.

The number of students in Germany with very low reading skills dropped while the number of strong readers increases in the five years between the two IGLU studies. Differences in reading skills between girls and boys were smallest in Germany with a smaller percentage of boys in the lowest reading groups compared to other participating countries.

Social class makes big difference

The survey also pointed out areas German schools were failing their pupils.

In comparison with other countries, the study showed a clearer link between social class and reading performance -- even the earliest grades -- among children in Germany. Poor students and children of immigrants in Germany also generally performed worse than their classmates more often than similar students in other countries.

"Primary schools have not succeeded in sufficiently compensating for social inequality," the study said.

The finding reflect stark criticism made by a special envoy from the United Nations in March that Germany's three-tiered school system was discriminatory for shutting out children from immigrant and poorer backgrounds.

While most other European countries have created more inclusive school systems, Germany has, for the most part, stuck to a three-tier structure that places children into educational tracks before the age of 12.

More results coming

The IGLU study said German students from upper-class families were often put in the highest track despite only adequate grades while higher skills were demanded of children with poorer or immigrant backgrounds to receive the same recommendation.

Education in Germany has been subject to censure after a string of studies results showed the country's schools to be trailing internationally. In a 2001 PISA study, Germany ranked only 21st in reading skills and 20th in math and science among 31 countries assessed.

Schavan said Wednesday's ranking showed reform measures put in place after 2001 had been successful.

Results from the next PISA study, which tested natural science skills, are scheduled to be presented Tuesday. According to Spanish teacher newspaper Magisnet, German students rank 13th among 57 states in that study -- an improvement of five ranks when compared to the 2003 survey. The results cannot be compared, however, as the tests have changed significantly.