Digital education: Saarland wants to enshrine offer in law

Saarland wants to create a binding framework for digital education with a new law. This was announced by Saarland Education Minister Christine Streichert-Clivot (SPD).
It is intended to provide planning security and ensure the long-term operation of the digital education infrastructure. At the beginning of the week, the Council of Ministers passed a draft law to this end. With this bill, Saarland is ensuring that it will be the first federal state to "provide equipment and content together".

Consolidation of digital offerings

The Digital Education Act is intended, for example, to ensure that Saarland's digital media lending service (LSMS) can become a permanent part of the Saarland school system. Distance learning, which was introduced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, will also be regulated by law. It should not only be possible during a pandemic, but also in extreme weather conditions such as floods, storms and black ice.

The state wants to rely on a leasing model for the hardware in order to avoid constant new purchases, among other things. From the 26/27 school year, digital end devices will continue to be managed and administered by the school authorities, but in future a lessor will provide support – including logistics and insurance.

According to the draft law, the current textbook lending system will continue to include digital and analog media. However, a uniform fee of 160 euros per year will be introduced from the 26/27 school year. The rate will be lower for elementary school. According to the minister, these regulations are "fair and affordable for everyone". It also means that prices will be capped. For families in receipt of benefits, the aim is to streamline the application process, for example by adapting the Pupil Support Act.

Commenting on the plans, Streichert-Clivot said: "Digital education is not an option, but a necessity. Our goal is clear: every pupil should have the best possible learning conditions, regardless of their background or social status.

So far, 137 million euros have already been invested in the digital infrastructure of schools in Saarland, including 55 million from the state to provide all teachers and pupils from the third grade onwards with tablets. This should prevent different equipment standards. "We want all
pupils have access to the same end devices in a class," said the minister, according to dpa. With the Saarland Online School (OSS), the state has also created a powerful platform for digital learning.

Law still has to pass through the state parliament

The bill will now go to an external hearing. In this hearing
stakeholders from the education sector – including school authorities, associations and trade unions – can submit their comments. In April 2025, the bill is to be introduced to the state parliament and – should the parliamentary consultation be successful – be passed in July and come into force on August 1, 2025.

(kbe)