Reducing bureaucracy in schools: Into the future of education with AI!

Reducing bureaucracy in schools: Into the future of education with AI!

School education in North Rhine-Westphalia is facing a change that should bring a breath of fresh air into the classroom. On November 12, 2025, the Ministry of Education presented new steps to reduce bureaucracy in schools and create space for school and teaching development. School Ministry of North Rhine-Westphalia explains that the main focus is on relieving the burden on school management, teachers and all school staff. In dialogues with school management, almost 300 suggestions were collected to reduce duplicate structures and use resources more specifically.

The three central measures to relieve the burden on schools could permanently change education policy in North Rhine-Westphalia. The first aim is to review and reduce queries at schools in order to only receive the bare essentials. The collaboration with district governments will then be used to streamline processes in personnel and school administration. The introduction of artificial intelligence will also be presented to support administrative processes and give school management more time for their core tasks.

The role of education policy

In the context of these reforms, it is important to also shed light on the previous challenges in the German education system. As bpb notes, education policy has long been an issue that needs more attention. The PISA test from 2001 made it clear that Germany needs to improve its education policy. In a current SWR podcast, experts discuss the complexity of the topic, from responsibilities in the education sector to the role of the federal government and the failed attempts at a National Education Council.

The critics of the education system demand more uniformity and sustainably better school quality. In particular, the early selection of students into different types of schools could be questioned. Prof. Dr. Kai Maaz advocates holistic education that starts in early childhood education, while Armin Himmelrath describes education policy as a dead end characterized by small states. Thomas Riecke-Baulecke, on the other hand, sees the need to learn from successful federal states and gradually build up cross-state cooperation.

Digitalization as an opportunity

Another central aspect that should not be missing from the discussion is digital transformation in the education sector. The Merriam-Webster defines “vindicate” as a term that means, among other things, to exonerate someone from accusations or to substantiate a theory. This definition could also be applied to digital education; namely that learning processes can be made more efficient through advanced technologies and digital media. With targeted programs supported by digital media, Germany could finally catch up in education policy.

The reforms and the use of modern technologies offer the chance for a new start. Education policy must continuously respond to technical and social changes and formulate clear goals at the political and school level. Who knows, perhaps the current transformation of schools will be a real “vindicate” for future generations – a step away from old structures towards a future-oriented education system.