Werte in fachübergreifenden Lehrplantexten für das gegliederte Schulwesen in Bayern

This paper examines which values are expressed in the curricula of different school types. In the empirical study, the cross-curricular curriculum texts of four curricula (Grundschule = primary school; Mittel‑/Hauptschule = secondary school for basic education, grades 5–10; Realschule = secondary school, grades 5–10; Gymnasium = secondary school, grades 5–13, preparing for university) in Bavaria are analysed. The resulting value spectra are compared by school type. The discourse on values in curricula, which has hardly been examined empirically in recent decades, is the subject of this study. The category system of the content analysis was developed on the basis of Schwartz’s theory of “basic individual values”. The results show that the values of self-determination, universalism, benevolence, achievement and conformity are significant across all types of school. There are small differences between the texts for the different types of school. In the cross-curricular chapters of the Bavarian Gymnasium school curricula, the values of self-determination are discussed more frequently than in secondary modern schools and lower secondary schools. In comparison, the development of one’s own personality is more important than orientation towards the common good. Conversely, the values of benevolence play a greater role in the cross-curricular curriculum texts at the Bavarian Hauptschule. The values of antagonism are dealt with in all types of school. However, the Gymnasium curriculum differs slightly in that the simultaneity of openness to change and preservation of the given, as well as personal and social orientation, are mentioned more frequently. The results are discussed, and the implications and limitations of this exploratory study are identified.