Compass 4 test: Fourth graders face the test of transition!

Compass 4 test: Fourth graders face the test of transition!

In Aalen, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Lorch and Heubach, the Kompass 4 test was on the program for the fourth graders. On December 2, 2025, numerous primary schools carried out this important test, which not only records the level of performance in German and mathematics, but also decides whether the student will continue to the right school. The premiere of this test format took place in 2024, and as Schwäbische Post reports, there was some negative feedback last year. Many students found the mathematical tasks to be “much too difficult,” which ultimately led to a revision by the Ministry of Education.

However, a positive balance can be drawn for 2025. Principals from the participating schools unanimously said that the level of difficulty of the tasks was appropriate. Important improvements such as less text-heavy tasks and the introduction of partial points in the questions ensured a more relaxing atmosphere during the test. In addition, the correction instructions were formulated more clearly, which made the workload easier for teachers and school administrators. Another advance was improved communication between schools and authorities, which could now better prepare parents for the test.

The reactions of the principals and teachers

Timo Cudazzo, principal in Bettringen, reported that many parents were initially unsettled, but that the overall level of the German exams was felt to be justified. What was also new was that the decryption code for the tests was made available the day before. Thorsten Krischke, headmaster in Heubach, emphasized the importance of informing parents about the test and its importance. Nevertheless, the children felt little pressure from home, which made for a more relaxed test atmosphere.

In Lorch, principal Ana Fritz said that despite information evenings, many parents were excited. The students were given a test time of 45 minutes in which they could do their best. Teacher Katja Nuiding from Aalen noticed that the teachers approached the exams more routinely. Even though the pressure on children and parents was high, it did not come from the teachers themselves.

Social background and outlook

The Compass 4 test, which was introduced as part of an education package from the state government in May 2024, has become the central measure for the transition from primary school to secondary school type. The aim of this competency measurement is to record the students' level of performance and thus strengthen advice during the transition. The Institute for Educational Analyzes Baden-Württemberg (IBBW) is responsible for the development and distribution of Compass 4. The results of the test not only influence the decision of the class conference, but also the wishes of the parents.

• Die Grundlagen für den Schulwechsel sind:
• Die pädagogische Gesamtwürdigung der Klassenkonferenz
• Das Ergebnis der Kompass 4-Messung
• Der Wille der Eltern

For the future, it has been determined that from the 2025/2026 school year, private, state-recognized primary schools as well as SBBZ with primary school courses will also be required to carry out the Compass 4 test. The goal is thus continued to avoid frustration among children who cannot meet the performance expectations at high school. These reforms are part of the new admissions procedure for class 4, which is also discussed in detail on the Ministry of Culture's homepage.