Call: compensate digital learning tools.

Call: compensate digital learning tools.

Not every child has a laptop or tablet available, while this is expected at many schools. In many cases, a laptop or tablet is essential for following education or doing homework. Parent organizations call on the House of Representatives to make laptops and tablets available free of charge for all pupils.

Digital learning tools

Digital learning tools, such as a laptop or tablet, are essential according to parent representatives. At least 44% of schools expect children to have a laptop or tablet. This percentage is probably higher in reality. In the 2018/2019 school year, the average amount for pupils in year 1 was 419 euros. The graphic calculator for havo and vwo is additional.

Compensation

Poverty is more visible at schools: pupils more often go to school without food. Several schools provide breakfast or lunch for these pupils. But besides food, digital learning tools are very expensive and impossible for some parents to pay.

Parent organizations want digital learning tools to be compensated. The tools should then fall under the Law on Free School Books, which makes them free for all pupils if the school makes the tools essential.

Letter to the House of Representatives

Parent organizations want the House of Representatives to urge the minister to give schools money for digital learning tools. Earlier, an evaluation gave reason to compensate the tools, but nothing has happened yet.

*Ouders & Onderwijs, Vereniging Openbaar Onderwijs, Reformatorische Oudervereniging, oudervereniging Balans, Stichting Voor Werkende Ouders, Onderwijs Consumenten Organisatie, Netwerk Ouderinitiatieven.