Austrian schools introduce civics lessons for all students
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In Austria’s Upper Austria region, schools began using new teaching materials this school year designed to promote values like equality, respect, and tradition to all students.
The “OÖ Hausordnung,” or Upper Austrian Code of Conduct, originally aimed to integrate values for immigrants, but educators now see its principles as broadly beneficial. The Bildungsdirektion OÖ’s Zentrum für Demokratiebildung developed the materials, which include picture books, games, and lesson plans tailored to different age groups.
School officials created the program after observing escalating conflicts among students. Last school year, 587 students in Upper Austria faced temporary suspension due to issues like violence, threats, and vandalism, representing a late stage in school conflict resolution. The new materials seek to address these issues proactively by making the code’s principles relatable and concrete for students. According to Schulqualitätsmanager Julian Schreibmüller, the materials translate the values into students' everyday lives.
Integrationslandesrat Christian Dörfel emphasized the importance of schools as places where young people from diverse backgrounds come together, necessitating early lessons on community values. Bildungsdirektor Alfred Klampfer added that the resources help teachers discuss topics like responsibility and rules in ways appropriate for each age group.
