A recent study by the Ifo Institute has revealed that Germany spends an estimated €206 million annually on behavioral grades, commonly referred to as “head grades” awarded to students. The findings, released Monday, indicate a significant financial investment in a system that appears to have little to no impact on students’ educational success or future career prospects.
According to the study, teachers dedicate an average of 30 minutes per student each school year to assign these behavioral grades. Researchers suggest this time and associated costs could be better utilized, particularly given the ongoing shortage of educators.
The calculation is based on a survey of 246 teachers, a substantial majority (92%) of whom reported that multiple instructors are involved in assigning behavioral grades for each student. In some cases, the process can involve up to eleven teachers per student, contributing to a considerable strain on resources, especially given the typical requirement for grades to be issued twice a year.
The vast majority of the €206 million expenditure is attributed to teacher salaries, factoring in a standard 40-hour workweek.
The study’s author, Florian Schoner, emphasizes that analysis of various datasets shows no discernible impact of behavioral grades on literacy skills or social competency. Furthermore, the assessment found no correlation between these grades and a student’s transition into the workforce. Researchers theorize that existing academic grades often already account for aspects of classroom behavior, potentially diminishing the need for separate behavioral assessments.