Upper Austria teachers demand more support for inclusive education

Teachers in Upper Austria say schools lack the staff, funding and support needed to include children with special educational needs, ORF reported. The criticism comes from the Social Democratic Teachers’ Association and the FSG faction representing compulsory-school teachers, based on a survey of 450 educators.

Almost 98 percent of respondents said current resources did not meet children’s needs. Many also criticised schools’ facilities and said there was too little money for necessary equipment.

Teachers said determining whether a child qualifies for special educational support can take one to two years, according to Franz Bicek of the FSG faction of the compulsory-school teachers’ union. Some children receive inadequate support during that period, while some parents pay for services themselves.

The transition from kindergarten to primary school can be particularly difficult. Melanie Wohlfarter, a teacher from the Braunau district, said schools in children’s home communities sometimes could not provide the necessary support, or could provide it only inadequately. The children then had to attend school in a neighbouring municipality and leave their familiar surroundings.

Christian Jedinger of the younion union called for more staff, including additional teachers and classroom assistants. He proposed a provisional classification of support needs, similar to the system used in long-term care, so children could receive assistance before a final medical assessment.

Until they receive a formal classification, children are currently treated as regular pupils, said staff representative Margit Sageder, who worked in education for many years. She said this resulted in valuable time being lost.

SPÖ state parliament member Doris Margreiter warned that a lack of support could have longer-term consequences, including possible school suspensions. Under current conditions, she said, teachers could not always provide the assistance individual children needed.