New parent council leader calls for school reforms and AI training for teachers

New parent council leader calls for school reforms and AI training for teachers

There is a breath of fresh air in education policy in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Diana Zander, a committed mother of two children who attend the Jona School in Stralsund, was elected as the new chairwoman of the state parents' council. Their goal is clear: a reform of the school system in order to significantly improve education policy in MV. Zander, who was born in Greifswald and grew up in Usedom, has lived in Stralsund for nine years and is passionate about equal opportunities for all children, regardless of where they live or the social background of their parents. She also calls for stronger central control of the educational sectors at the federal level.

A central concern of the new head of the parents' council is the integration of modern technologies into everyday school life. In particular, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media is a high priority for them. Zander believes a ban on social media for children under 16 is necessary to protect their health. At the same time, she considers it essential to better train teachers in using AI. These demands match the current recommendations of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK), which deals with the use of AI in schools.

Artificial intelligence and its role in education

The KMK recently published comprehensive recommendations for action that relate to various areas, including didactics, examinations and teacher training. These recommendations are based on an impulse paper and numerous specialist conferences. In this context, AI is seen as support for students and teachers. The experts emphasize the need to clearly define ethical and legal frameworks for dealing with AI. Media education is also particularly important because AI-supported disinformation poses a growing threat.

With regard to exams, new formats should be developed that take skills in dealing with AI into account. Oral examinations should play a special role in this. These reforms also provide teachers with support in the remediation process, while the assessment responsibility remains with them. Zander demands that these developments also be incorporated into teacher training so that the future of our schools is well prepared.

The criteria for successful integration of AI in schools

A new position paper from the Association of the Education Industry highlights the opportunities that AI offers in the education system. Clear rules are required to make the use of AI sensible and to relieve the burden on teachers. The paper's central demands include the integration of AI into educational curricula at all school levels and the development of independent European AI models that ensure data protection. Professional development for teachers is particularly essential in order to fully exploit the advantages of AI.

• Verständnis für KI schaffen und in Bildungspläne integrieren.
• Transparente Entwicklung von KI-Strategien.
• Unabhängigkeit von Großanbietern fördern.
• Didaktische Anforderungen bei KI-Einsatz sicherstellen.
• Überarbeitung der Prüfungsformate im Hinblick auf KI-Kompetenzen.

The issues that Zander addresses are not only locally important, they also reflect current national trends. With her cradle in Stralsund, Diana Zander shows a great commitment to education and to ensuring that all children - regardless of their background - have the same opportunities. In order to achieve this, investments in training personalities and the correct integration of new technologies into everyday school life are essential. The discussion about equal opportunities in education is receiving new impetus and is more urgent than ever.

Overall, it is clear that school needs in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania must be thought about comprehensively so that children's education does not fall by the wayside in the future. [Ostsee Zeitung](https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/vorpommern-ruegen/stralsund/neue-elternratschefin-draengt-auf-schulreformen-in-mv-lehrkraefte-muessen-fuer-ki-geschult- Werden-I7XLR7FBINBAXO5YHD4NBIPPPQ.html) and German School portal emphasize that now is the time to tackle these challenges together.

In this new era of education, good teacher training and responsible use of AI are crucial. And so we can only hope that the fresh wind that Diana Zander gets rolling delivers fruitful results.