School system
Aims of the Austrian school system
By the end of their schooling, young people should be self-sufficient and know their strengths and talents. They are able to see their prospects in a changing society in the digital age. They take advantage of the opportunities available to them in order to succeed in their private and professional lives. As active members of society, they recognise the importance of democratic participation and co-determination.
The aim of the Austrian school system is to enable pupils to take the educational path that is right for them individually. In impact-driven management, this goal is described by three aims for the Austrian school system:
Increase the level of achievement and education among pupils and target groups in adult education
A well-educated, productive and skilled population is of fundamental importance for Austria’s social and economic prosperity. Education is a key factor in ensuring that individuals have the knowledge, skills, attitude and competencies to participate effectively in society, the economy and cultural life. Increasing pupils’ level of education is therefore one of the priorities of the Austrian education system.
Improve needs-based education alongside equal opportunities and gender equality in education (impact goal 2)
The potential of the Austrian population can only be fully realised if the education system takes account of pupils’ varied requirements, their different talents and aptitudes, their interests and, where appropriate, their need for support and assistance. Issues around needs-based education, equal opportunities and gender equality affect both individuals and different sections of the population, e.g. in terms of additional support measures for German. As a result, particular importance is given to encouraging individual talents, strengthening support measures at schools with low achievement rates, enabling educational qualifications to be obtained at a later point in life, facilitating the use of all-day school and childcare according to need, and developing gender and diversity competence in all educational programmes. Digital skills form the basis that allows everyone to participate equally and independently in the information society.
Enhance effectiveness and efficiency in school organisation and education administration
Research into the economics of education shows that a lack of effectiveness and efficiency in the education system leads to welfare losses for individuals and society. This means that efficient allocation and effective use of the available resources is crucial. All levels of education administration are affected, from the overarching or higher-level management structures and administration processes to the effectiveness of resource allocation at individual schools.
Basic data on the Austrian school system