Education plans in the new coalition agreement.

Education plans in the new coalition agreement.

‘Look after each other, look ahead to the future.’ That is the title of the coalition agreement signed this week by VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie. What does it say about education plans? There are some hopeful points. There are investments in education quality, measures for equal opportunities and a goal to reduce the number of students out of school to 0.

Education quality

The new coalition wants to improve basic skills in reading, writing and math with a master plan. Another agreement is to strengthen the involvement and say of parents. To improve education quality, the coalition partners want to invest 1 billion euros each year. Also, the parties want to provide money for teachers and school leaders. This is to close the pay gap between primary and secondary education. Furthermore, the plan is to include specialized secondary education (secondary special education) as part of secondary education. This can be called a success for the action group ‘Van VSO naar GVO’, which earlier started a petition for this.

Equal opportunities

To promote equal chances, the parties want to invest in a ‘rich school day’. This is a day for help with homework, sports and culture. Also, schools with many disadvantages can get structural support. Another agreement is to improve the transition from primary to secondary education. This can be done by promoting broad and extended first-year classes. Moreover, secondary education will have room for more differentiation and a tailored diploma.

Inclusive education

The parties agreed, according to the Tailored Education improvement approach, to aim for inclusive education. This means children with and without disabilities or illness can go to school together. Also, the number of ‘unnecessary students out of school’ must go back to 0. This can be done, among other things, by setting up a ‘Digital School’.

Mbo

The coalition wants to strengthen the quality of mbo. They want to keep as many mbo programs as possible. Also, they want to make a pact to ensure every mbo student gets an internship place and a suitable allowance.

Social safety and article 23

The Education Inspectorate will have an extra task to handle individual complaints about social safety. An independent reporting point for Social Unsafety for children and parents will be part of the (trust) inspectorate. The parties do not see a need to change article 23 (freedom of education).

Further details

Further details of the plans will follow. Informateur Remkes said the policy topic needs more work. This will be done by the new ministers in the cabinet. In spring, there will be a calculation of these topics. To be continued! Want to know more details? Read the documents of the full agreement and financial framework.