As part of the Change Learning Programme of the Bertelsmann Stiftung, the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the nexus Institute, is carrying out a broad-based participation process to systematically incorporate experiences, needs and ideas from educational practice into the further development of the school system. The process creates space for exchange, listening, shared responsibility and the establishment of a new culture of dialogue among all relevant stakeholder groups. Participants in the dialogue include representatives from schools and teachers, pupils and parents, school authorities, the education administration, academia and associations, civil society, and politics.
At the heart of the process is the shared question of how the school system in Saxony-Anhalt can be further developed in such a way that contemporary learning is made possible and the challenges of the coming years can be successfully addressed. The process aims to develop concrete short- and long-term measures to improve the school system, while strengthening trust, mutual understanding and continuous exchange among those involved. It is based on the recommendations of the Expert Commission on the Future of School Education, in particular its four key fields of action:
(1) Contemporary learning in a culture of digitality
(2) Equal opportunities in education
(3) Autonomous schools
(4) Qualification and development of staff
Participation takes place through a multi-stage procedure designed and implemented by the nexus Institute. The entire process is closely coordinated with the State School Advisory Council. All steps are prepared and reflected upon in its meetings, which are facilitated by the nexus Institute.
Three regional conferences, each with around 150 participants, are used to gather a wide range of feedback from practice, consolidate perspectives and formulate initial approaches to solutions. Interactive methods in structured small-group work are employed to enable in-depth discussions and productive input. With approximately 250 participants, a final conference represents the culmination of the participation process. Here, the insights developed are synthesised and presented to the Minister of Education as recommendations. At the same time, the conference is intended to lay the foundations for the long-term continuation of dialogue and for ongoing joint implementation.
Further information about the project.
Duration: 10/2025 – 07/2026
Client: Bertelsmann Stiftung
Team: Jacob Birkenhäger, Christine von Blanckenburg, Katharina Fender
Project partner: Bildungsministerium Sachsen-Anhalt
Graphic: nexus Institut