Hamburg, Germany - educational changes

Germany is often thought to be among the leaders in educational attainment. But, as with many other areas (with strong teacher unions?) it has been hidebound with the past. At least that is the view of many modernizers there. And recently in the Hamburg region there has been a change in the year within which young students must take standardized tests. It was moved up two grades (from grade 6 to grade 8, roughly). This was to reduce the alleged disparities occurring among less well off youngsters with those better off. This, in turn should, the theory went, help more students succeed sufficiently to be admitted into the "gymnasiums" and help to ensure more access later into the universities, instead of supposedly more mundane technical trades.
But, many "conservative" families felt that this was a retrograde process.
And so, they have mounted a successful initiative to force a referendum on the subject.
"The parents feel that their children will be dragged down by academic laggards in the name of social justice" - according to the Economist Magazine of Mar. 13.
Now it does not matter what your individual view might be on this subject. What does matter is that a democratic manner of determining the issue is being permitted. Maybe the "conservative" parents will win the ultimate vote; maybe not. But, at least all will have a say.
And isn't that the is essence of democracy. The majority view should prevail - not just what may be thought to be correct by some elite.
My book YOU Can Control Your Government indicates just how this method can work - in Canada, also, as well as in Hamburg Germany. Perhaps our educational system could be improved, if we permitted more people to have a say in how it works.