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NRW

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is the most populous federal state in Germany and plays a central role in German politics. Politics in NRW deals with a variety of issues ranging from education policy to digitalization and infrastructure. In this context, political debates and measures focus in particular on the challenges in the education system, dealing with the shortage of teachers, the digitalization of schools and the state of the infrastructure. Read the latest news on North Rhine-Westphalia from the Table.Briefings editorial team here! Education policy in NRW: Goals and challenges Education policy in NRW aims to provide all pupils with a high-quality education and promote equal opportunities. A central element of this policy is the NRW Education Principles, which serve as guidelines for early childhood education. What is the aim of the NRW education principles? These principles aim to promote the individual development of children, strengthen their social skills and prepare them for learning at school. The NRW Ministry of Education plays a decisive role in school policy. The Minister of Education is responsible for shaping and implementing education policy in the state and works to continuously improve the quality of the school system. Teacher shortage in NRW: a pressing problem The school system in NRW is divided into several types of school, including elementary school, lower secondary schools, intermediate secondary schools, grammar schools and vocational schools. Each of these school types has its own requirements and challenges. One acute problem that is currently preoccupying education policy in NRW is the shortage of teachers. Elementary school and certain subjects in secondary schools, such as mathematics, natural sciences and computer science, are particularly affected. The shortage of teachers means that lessons have to be canceled or taught in other subjects. How many teachers are missing in NRW? According to estimates, there is currently a shortage of several thousand teachers in NRW. This not only has an impact on the quality of teaching, but also on equal opportunities in the education system. The lack of teachers is particularly noticeable in socially disadvantaged regions, which further exacerbates educational inequalities. Vocational schools in NRW: Training and securing skilled workers In addition to general education schools, vocational schools also play an important role in NRW's education system. They are an essential part of dual training and contribute to securing skilled workers in the region. How many vocational schools are there in NRW? There are around 360 vocational schools in NRW that provide practical and theoretical training in cooperation with companies. These schools are crucial to the state's economic strength as they prepare young people for the demands of the job market. Digitalization of schools in NRW: Progress and challenges Another key issue in NRW's policy is the digitalization of schools. The state government has recognized that digital education is key to the future viability of the education system. This is why the DigitalPakt NRW was launched to drive forward the digitalization of schools. When was the DigitalPakt Schule decided? The nationwide initiative called DigitalPakt, which was adopted in 2019, is intended to enable schools to set up modern digital infrastructures and introduce digital teaching and learning materials. When does the DigitalPakt expire? The DigitalPakt supports measures such as the expansion of Wi-Fi networks in schools, the purchase of digital end devices and the training of teachers. However, the pact expires in 2024, which raises the question of how the digitalization of schools will be continued and financed after this date. An extension or new edition of the pact could be necessary in order to sustainably secure and expand the progress made so far. Integration in NRW: a task for the municipalities In NRW, the integration of migrants and refugees is another important aspect of policy. How many municipal integration centers are there in NRW? In recent years, the federal state has taken in a large number of people who have fled war and persecution. In order to successfully integrate these people into society, there are 54 municipal integration centers in NRW. These centers offer language courses, counselling services and other support services to facilitate the integration process. NRW has its own responsibilities in the area of asylum law and works closely with the federal government to ensure a fair and effective asylum policy. Asylum law in Germany is predominantly a federal competence and the federal states – including NRW – are primarily responsible for the implementation and administration of asylum procedures. The municipal integration centers are an important component in promoting the participation of refugees in social life and improving their chances on the job market. Infrastructure in NRW: modernization and challenges Infrastructure is another key area of policy action in NRW. A well-developed and functioning infrastructure is crucial for economic development and the quality of life of the population. Infrastructure projects in NRW include the Regional Economic Program ( RWP NRW ), which specifically promotes investment in infrastructure in order to strengthen economic competitiveness. One major problem that has come to the fore in recent years is the dilapidated bridges in NRW. Many of the bridges that were built in the '60s and '70s are now in serious need of renovation. This applies in particular to highway bridges, which are used by thousands of vehicles every day, including many heavy goods vehicles. The state government has already launched extensive renovation programs, but the renovation backlog in NRW – not unlike nationwide – is enormous. The dilapidated bridges are not only a safety risk, but also an obstacle to the flow of traffic and therefore to the economic development of the state. Conclusion and outlook for future policy in NRW Politics in NRW faces numerous challenges, from education to digitalization and infrastructure. The state government has already taken important measures in these areas, but much remains to be done to ensure the state's future viability. In education policy in particular, where the shortage of teachers and equal opportunities are key issues, efforts must continue to be made to ensure a high quality of education for all pupils. The digitalization of schools and the modernization of infrastructure are also crucial to maintaining NRW as an attractive location for business and education. The coming years will show how successfully the state government can master these challenges. The Table.Briefings editorial team reports on how politics in NRW is progressing and has all the news, analyses and background information on this topic.