Half of Upper Austrian Students Rely on Extra Support
A recent survey conducted by the Chamber of Labor in Upper Austria has revealed that half of the students in the region struggle to achieve academic success without additional support from family, friends, or private tutoring. The survey, which gathered responses from the parents of nearly 3,500 children, found that 48% of parents believe their children require external assistance to meet the academic demands of school. This need is particularly addressed by families with better financial means, who are turning to private tutoring to fill the gap.
The survey also highlighted significant concerns about the level of academic preparation provided in schools. A notable 22% of parents reported that their children are not adequately prepared for exams and schoolwork. This lack of preparation is contributing to both a decline in students’ academic performance and growing anxiety among parents.
Additionally, nearly half of the surveyed parents expressed concerns about teacher shortages and insufficient school staff. Issues such as inadequate individual support, a lack of qualified teachers, and insufficient supervision during school activities are cited as factors that are diminishing the quality of education.
In response to these findings, Andreas Stangl, President of the Chamber of Labor in Upper Austria, has called for a series of reforms. These include the expansion of free full-day schools, the provision of free academic support within schools, and the establishment of a fair and transparent education funding system. Stangl also advocates for the creation of a support fund for school events and field trips, increased educational and housing allowances for students, and more accessible psychological support services.
The survey results underscore the serious challenges parents face with the current education system and highlight the urgent need for reforms to better address the educational needs of students. These demands point to the necessity for comprehensive changes within the system to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically.