Dr Claudia Bogedan, Bremen Senator for Education, is the new 2016 president of the Kultusministerkonferenz[1]. During a ceremony at the Bundesrat she took over her official functions from Saxon State Minister Brunhild Kurth.
In his inaugural address Secretary General Udo Michallik gave a quick round-up on the year 2015, which, especially in the sector of political education, was dictated by the refugee crisis. He reminded the audience of the key issue of promoting high-performing pupils and the accompanying support of the economy and numerous funds, as postulated by State Minister Kurth. He said to be looking forward to the 6th International Summit on Teachers’ Professionalism taking place in Berlin this year.
During the following session moderated by Dr Julia Kropf both parting and new presidents had the chance to discuss the previous and the upcoming year. State Minister Kurth took a satisfied look back on the year 2015 and pointed out the good co-operation with the Länder and the support she received from all sides.
Senator Dr Bogedan explained that of course she will tie in with her previous work, but she also pointed out the most important issues for the new presidential term. Namely the integration of children and adolescents with refugee background into the education system as well as the realisation of digital education.
These two issues hit the nerve of Dr Angela Ehlers, Federal Chair of the German Association for Special Education (vds), who accompanied by Federal Director Marianne Schardt, took part in the Berlin celebrations.
After the ceremony the two vds representatives had the chance for a quick chat with the president, who spontaneously explained how much she appreciated the association’s work and how she would wish for good co-operation.
“You are my co-operation partner”, she said. If her timetable allows for it, she will happily follow the invitation to the opening session of the Special Education Congress in Weimar 2016 and will also participate in the following podium. An official request from the Federal Director has already been sent.
The event was artistically accompanied with dance, music and poetry slamming of youths from the Hanseatic City of Bremen.
Translation: Ruth Stang
[1] Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany