Integration Zurich cantonal remedial classes initiative comes to fruition

SDA

12.9.2024 - 17:10

The conservative committee behind the popular initiative "For a school with a future" believes that the current, integrative school system is reaching its limits. Children with behavioral problems could be better supported in special remedial classes. (symbolic image)
The conservative committee behind the popular initiative "For a school with a future" believes that the current, integrative school system is reaching its limits. Children with behavioral problems could be better supported in special remedial classes. (symbolic image)
Keystone

The people of Zurich can vote on whether elementary school should reintroduce special classes for children with learning difficulties and behavioral problems. The cantonal initiative "For a school with a future" has been successful.

Keystone-SDA

Of the 9,200 signatures collected, over 6,000 are valid, as the committee announced on Thursday. This means that the legal requirements have been met. The initiative is backed by representatives of the GLP, FDP and SVP.

The initiators believe that the current model, in which all pupils are taught in mainstream classes, is reaching its limits. There is great dissatisfaction at all levels. "Integration at any price has failed."

The teachers', special education and parents' associations are clearly against the initiative. Principals also reject it. The initiative does not solve any of the existing problems, but creates new ones and jeopardizes equal opportunities.