Ms. Elle said. Some differences have been obvious for the two German educators. Foreign language, for example, is introduced much earlier in Germany. But, Ms. Mai said, American pupils are introduced to computer technology much earlier than German pupils. At the elementary level in Saxony, pupils remain with the same teacher from first through fourth grades, and they don't receive grades until the third grade.
Pupils move to an orientation level for fifth and sixth grades.
During that time, it is determined whether they will move on to a middle school or high school. And principals are required to continue teaching courses, Ms. Elle said. But overall, high school students are not that different, she said. Both visitors said they have learned a lot on their trip and plan to share their experience with fellow educators. The two local hosts will travel to Germany in June.