Summary

An external evaluation by the Federal Office for Civil Service (ZIVI) shows that civil service personnel in schools measurably contribute to improving teaching quality. They take on tasks that would otherwise largely not be performed. The study thus confirms the social relevance of civil service deployments in the education sector.

Persons

  • Federal Office for Civil Service ZIVI (Institution)

Topics

  • Civil service
  • School education
  • Evaluation
  • Educational quality

Clarus Lead

The Federal Office for Civil Service commissioned an external evaluation of civil service deployments in schools. The study shows concretely: Civil service personnel fill gaps in the education system by taking on care and support tasks that would otherwise not be performed or only be performed to a limited extent. For decision-makers in the education sector and in civil service administration, this represents a validation of the existing deployment model. The evaluation provides an empirical foundation for future budgeting and personnel planning in schools.

Detailed Summary

The external evaluation documents that civil service personnel in schools play a substantial role in ensuring teaching quality and student care. They not only support teachers with administrative and pedagogical tasks, but also enable specialized offerings such as language support or individual learning assistance that would not be financially feasible without their collaboration.

The findings suggest that civil service in the education sector represents a cost-effective instrument for resource optimization. Schools can expand their care capacities through civil service personnel without having to create additional full-time positions. This is particularly relevant for smaller schools and cantons with tight budgets.

Key Statements

  • Proven Impact: Civil service personnel make measurable contributions to teaching quality and student care
  • Filling Gaps: Tasks are taken on that would otherwise not be performed or only partially performed
  • Resource Efficiency: The model enables schools to expand care offerings without proportional cost increases

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality and Comparability: How were schools with and without civil service personnel compared? Were differences in school type, size, and sociodemographic context controlled for?

  2. Long-Term Effects: Does the evaluation measure only immediate impacts or also sustainable improvements in student performance and well-being over several years?

  3. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent could the commissioning of the evaluation by ZIVI itself influence the evaluation results? Was there independent peer review or external validation?

  4. Causality vs. Correlation: Can alternative explanations be ruled out (e.g., that schools with civil service deployments are already better equipped anyway)?

  5. Cost-Benefit Analysis: How do the total costs per civil service person relate to school budget savings or additional services provided?

  6. Implementation Risks: Which schools benefit the most, and is there a risk of a two-tier education system between well-equipped and poorly-equipped schools?

References

Primary Source: Civil Service Deployments in Schools: Evaluation Confirms Impact – News Service Bund, March 17, 2026

Verification Status: ✓ March 17, 2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: March 17, 2026