Negotiations on the billion-dollar Start Opportunities program for schools have been concluded in Berlin. The program is jointly launched and financed by the federal and state governments.
Around a million students nationwide are expected to benefit. The money will no longer be distributed according to the watering principle, but according to actual needs. The new program is intended to break the strong connection between social background and educational success. The aim is to improve the students' skills, especially in reading, writing and mathematics.