Finally clarity for students taking the state exam.

Finally clarity for students taking the state exam.

Final exam students in special education have the chance to get their diploma until January 2021. They also get four retakes and can start their next education even if they do not have a diploma yet. This was decided after tough talks between the House of Representatives and Minister Slob of education. Because of this, it was unclear for a long time if the planned exams for these students would still take place.

Students in special education take a state exam. The state exam has two required parts: the central exam and the college exam. The central exam was canceled, just like in other secondary education. The House of Representatives wanted to cancel the college exam for these students and give them a diploma based on the grades they got this school year. Minister Slob thought the college exam should still take place because he fears that the diploma would otherwise be worthless. Without it, students might face problems in further education.

Not only students in special education take the state exam. Students at private schools and those who want to take the exam without attending school, including homebound students, can also get their diploma through the state exam.

Maastricht

The solution chosen now is like the way vmbo students in Maastricht were helped two years ago. Then the final exam was declared invalid due to school mistakes. Students then got more time to get their diploma. State exam candidates also get this extra time now. They get four retake chances and have until 1 January 2021 to get their diploma. Retakes three and four happen after 1 September 2020. They can start their next education in September already.

Certificates

Many students only get some certificates this year. Some spread getting a diploma over two years this way. Some leave school without a diploma but take some certificates with them as they move on. Despite requests from parliament members, the Minister said retakes for students going for certificates are not possible. Ouders & Onderwijs regrets this. These students are also affected by the crisis and the extra exam pressure. They are now the only group that does not get an extra chance to pass their exam.

Custom solutions for oral exams

In the emergency debate, parliament members asked for wide custom solutions for the (oral) exam. The Minister previously promised this too. Unlike earlier debates on this, attention was now on students who prepare for the state exam independently without school. These students can ask for help during the oral exam by sending a request to staatsexamens@duo.nl.

Examples of custom options:

• Write answers on paper or laptop during the oral exams.
• A longer introduction to help the student feel more at ease.
• The presence of their own teacher or mentor during the exam. For students not connected to a school, this can be a trusted person.

At this moment, digital oral exams by video call are not possible. For students at risk or with family at risk, this option is very desirable to avoid infection. Physical exams cause extra stress. Ouders & Onderwijs works to get this option approved.

Information point for exam candidates and parents

The Minister also promised a quick setup of an information point where exam candidates and parents can ask all their questions and concerns. Also about custom options. For questions, you can always call our advice desk at 088-6050101 on workdays from 9:30 to 12:30 and 13:00 to 16:00.

We only lack a promise for a festive (flag) moment to honor the successful state exam candidates. Together with Balans, we ask the Minister for this again.

More information

Ouders & Onderwijs is there for all parents with school-age children. For personal advice, you can call our advice desk at 088-6050101 or send a message to vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl.You can read answers to many common questions about the Corona situation in education in our FAQ.