teams - Transfer and evidence-based adaptation of infrastructural pool models in the field of school support

In the field of individual school support, significant challenges are evident in many places: rising case and application numbers, increasing cost pressures and a shortage of skilled staff are accompanied by pedagogical questions regarding the effectiveness of individually organised, case-by-case support. Added to this are cumbersome application procedures, inconsistent qualification standards, a lack of further training and professional development opportunities, and the fact that it is often difficult to integrate school assistants into multi-professional teams at the local level.

Against this backdrop, numerous local authorities are trialling infrastructural pool models. In these models, school support is not organised exclusively on a case-by-case basis, but is structurally embedded within the school as a reliably available support resource. The aim is to support pupils in a more flexible, preventive and less stigmatising manner, whilst strengthening multi-professional collaboration within the school context. The right to apply for individual school support remains unrestricted.

The collaborative project ‘teams’ is investigating how infrastructural pool models can be further developed in an effective, sustainable and transferable manner. To this end, it combines accompanying academic research, local authority management practices, school-based practice and transfer-oriented development work. The focus is on robust findings regarding impacts, conditions for success and implementation processes, as well as practical tools for local authorities and schools.

Key areas of focus

Cost analyses & monitoring
As part of this sub-project, practical approaches are being developed to provide data-driven support for and evaluation of the introduction and expansion of infrastructure-based pool models. To this end, a systematic monitoring system for case numbers and costs in the field of school assistance is being developed. The aim is to make resource requirements, cost trends and management issues more transparent and to support local authority decision-making in the long term.

Transfer & Implementation Analysis
This sub-project investigates the conditions under which the introduction and further development of infrastructural pool models succeed in different local authority and school contexts. The focus is on conditions for success, barriers, and sustainable structures and management processes during the transfer phase. Together with our practice partners, we will develop transferable insights, recommendations for action and practical tools for the implementation and further development of infrastructural pool models.

Training and professional development
A key prerequisite for the successful implementation of infrastructural pool models is the targeted training and professionaldevelopment of the stakeholders involved in day-to-day school life. A further focus is therefore on the development and evaluation of in-service training and professional development programmes for teaching assistants and teachers. These programmes focus in particular on multi-professional cooperation and are designed to provide practical support to schools and local authorities in implementing infrastructural pool models.

Effectiveness and school practice
An overarching aim is to gain robust insights into the effectiveness of infrastructural pool models, particularly with regard to pupils, teachers and collaboration within the school context. Among other things, the study examines pupils’ well-being and participation, the experiences of teachers and systemic school assistants, and collaborative relationships between school stakeholders. To this end, various data collection methods are being carried out, including surveys of pupils, parents and guardians, and school staff, as well as in-depth analyses at selected schools through classroom observations.

Linking research and practice
In parallel, a nationwide network is being established to facilitate exchange between stakeholders from academia, practice and administration. Three network conferences will take place during the course of the project, providing a forum for professional discussion, joint reflection and the further development of transferable perspectives on school support.

Project leaders / Project proposal
Prof. Dr Janka Goldan (University of Wuppertal)

External projectlead
Prof. Dr Kerstin Schneider (University of Wuppertal)
Prof. Dr Julia Gorges (University of Cologne)

Project staff
Andrea Ilina-Georgescu (University of Wuppertal)
Britta Wenzel (University of Wuppertal)
Kevin Jan Zuchanek (University of Wuppertal)
Vanessa Gossmann (University of Cologne)
Eric Nising (University of Cologne)

Duration
to 31 January 2029

External funding body
Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ)

Information on the industry partners involved in the project can be found on the Teams project website.