DDS – Die Deutsche Schule: Issue Online First/ The KMK Framework on the Role and Functions of School Supervision

The framework on the “Role and Functions of School Supervision,” adopted in 2025 by the Conference of Ministers of Education (BMK) within the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK), sets out for the first time a nationally coordinated description of the responsibilities and competencies associated with school supervision in Germany. The document establishes a common reference framework for the professional role of school supervisory authorities, who operate at the intermediate level of the education system between ministries and individual schools. This framework has the potential to advance the professionalization of school supervision and to promote greater nationwide coherence in defining its core responsibilities and competency requirements. At the same time, it holds great potential for school improvement and quality development. In addition to outlining the key elements of the KMK framework, the article discusses the two key theses.

Keywords
school supervision, framework, standards, school development, professionalization