Germany: Tackling Truancy | European Journal

With its Europe 2020 strategy, the European Commission aims to improve Europe's competiveness. As part of the project, member states are being asked to address the problem of truancy.In Germany, up to 300,000 pupils regularly skip school, placing them at risk for dropping out. The police know where the truants can be found: in pedestrian shopping zones, at fast food restaurants, and in front of electronics shops. Some judges have tried taking a tough stance, issuing orders for their arrest. In a Berlin project, a teacher has been assigned to supervise students outside of school. Classroom instruction takes place in smaller classes and is supplemented with practical instruction in local businesses.