At its congress in Leipzig, the CDU is facing an educational policy decision. The Schleswig-Holstein regional association calls for "compulsory language tests" to be introduced for preschool children. Language tests should be carried out no later than four years of age.
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If there is a special need for support, "compulsory, high-quality, continuous language support in a nursery or preschool" must be offered, according to the party congress. Should parents refuse to provide support for the child, "effective sanction mechanisms must be in place".
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The debate over language tests had recently caused arguments after the CDU economic politician Carsten Linnemann had indicated in an interview to train children with very little knowledge of German, if necessary, late. The proposal, which was largely drafted by the Minister of Education of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, Karin Prien, does not focus on a postponement of school enrollment.
In the case of insufficient knowledge of German, the Nord-CDU wants to introduce compulsory extra hours and special language classes in addition to regular lessons. The decision also aims to show that the CDU will again strengthen the field of education policy, which it had neglected in recent years.
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