Austrian People's Party Develops Comprehensive Education Strategy

The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) is undertaking the development of its first holistic education strategy, aiming to chart the future of education policy up to 2035. The party's research and training institution, now known as Campus Tivoli, has spent several months engaging with a wide range of stakeholders from the education sector to gather diverse perspectives on necessary reforms.

Contributions were solicited from over 100 individuals and organizations connected to the educational field. These included former education ministers, kindergarten teachers, school leaders, rectors, representatives from parent associations, as well as stakeholders from the business sector, such as the Federation of Austrian Industries and the Austrian Economic Chambers. Participants were invited to submit their recommendations for educational changes without restrictions on subject matter, provided their submissions did not exceed a specified length.

The ideas collected span a broad spectrum of issues. Suggestions ranged from the introduction of new assessment formats and adjustments to the role of school leadership, to establishing a 'middle school leaving certificate', reforming teacher recruitment processes, extending vocational preparatory schooling, and grouping subjects into broader thematic clusters. Other proposals included the appointment of school directors for fixed terms and the mandatory establishment of student parliaments to strengthen participatory governance in schools.

These proposals will now be organized into six thematic areas by a panel of education experts and practitioners. The themes encompass curriculum development across educational stages, vacation scheduling, teacher and school leader training, the function of schools as social environments, school infrastructure, and the legal frameworks that shape the education system. This process aims to create a structured, actionable blueprint for the party's approach to education.

Not all submitted suggestions will result in policy recommendations, as the working group recognizes the complexity of the issues and the need for further analysis. For example, the future of the Polytechnical School, a one-year vocational program established in the 1960s, is under review. While its structure may be considered outdated, it continues to deliver positive outcomes, prompting debate over whether to reform or retain it. Similarly, the model of centralized final examinations, currently evaluated by teachers at individual schools, is being questioned in light of evolving higher education admissions requirements.

The ÖVP's initiative is intended to provide a clear and comprehensive educational framework for the party, addressing longstanding calls for a more unified policy direction. The strategy is expected to serve as a foundation for negotiations with potential coalition partners and to guide future policy decisions. The resulting concept is scheduled for completion in the coming months, after which it will be presented to the public and integrated into the party's broader policy agenda.