Focus Points For The Opening Of Secondary Schools.

Focus Points For The Opening Of Secondary Schools.

The cabinet announced that secondary schools will reopen their doors from June 2, 2020. This naturally raises some questions. Ouders & Onderwijs lists a number of questions and answers for you.

1. Do All Students Go Back To School?

Yes. All students must have the opportunity to follow education at their school again. Schools may not exclude students, except when a student is coughing, has a runny nose, or has a fever. If possible, students with symptoms will be tested by the GGD with the permission of the parent(s)/guardian(s), according to the national testing policy. When household members of the students have such symptoms, the student must also stay at home.

Students with health complaints or who belong to risk groups according to the RIVM do not have to go to school. In that case, contact the school management. This also applies to children of parents who work with people in risk groups. The RIVM has also issued a guideline about this. You can read more about it on the RIVM website.

Students with underlying medical issues do not seem to have a greater risk of severe COVID-19 than healthy children, except perhaps children with severe obesity and/or diabetes. In case of doubt, it is wise to consult the treating (paediatric) doctor and discuss with school management.

A motion accepted by all parties in parliament from PVV & PvdA confirms that no enforcement of compulsory education will follow if parents do not want to send their children to school. So, parents who do not want to cannot be forced.

2. What Does Education Look Like From June 2, 2020?

Not all students go to school at the same time. Students and teachers must keep distance. Therefore, not all students can go to school at once. Schools themselves arrange the organizational and logistical aspects of reopening. This allows adapting to differences between students, buildings, and the availability and possibilities of teaching staff. The maximum group size is determined by the physical layout of the school. So, there is no general rule for the maximum group size. Students go to school only a limited number of days. To minimize movement, fixed groups are used where possible. These fixed groups are maintained both in lessons and during breaks.

Not only the schedule but also the lesson content can be different than before. Schools decide themselves on the education they provide. The VO-raad advises to limit education to the core of all subjects. Also, especially from the perspective of the Practical education track and vocational vmbo, it is advised to focus where possible and reasonable on subjects with a practical component that cannot be well taught remotely. Choices by schools to, for example, focus on mentor hours are up to the school. Schools also decide themselves – in consultation with the school participation council – whether and how – besides education at school – education at a distance is offered. The workload and annual tasks of staff are taken into account.

Social partners (associations of employers and employees) have set guidelines. The Ministry and inspection expect these to be followed. Schools are also expected to coordinate further details and any deviations with the school participation council and to think not only from organizational interest but also from the interests of students and their parents or guardians.

3. Does The Change In Education Affect Promotion?

Under the current circumstances, all schools had to adjust their education programs, teaching time, and testing schedules. This will have consequences for how promotion decisions will be made at the end of the school year. The VO-raad has created a guide on how a school can deal with promotion policy and making progress decisions this school year. Schools themselves arrange the policy on promotion. Therefore, check with your child’s school how promotion policy is arranged.

4. Do The Central Exams Take Place?

No, the central exams will not take place this year. This decision provides clarity for all schools and students. All central exams are cancelled, including the central written and practical exams (cspe’s) in vmbo, as well as the central digital flexible exams in vmbo-bb and -kb.

The results of the school exams form the basis for earning the diploma this school year. Schools have until June to finish the school exams.

5. Do The School Exams Take Place?

Yes, the school exams take place. Schools have time to prepare students (remotely) and administer the school exams. Because there are no central exams, schools have extra time for this.

Because of this extra time, exams can be spread out more. Schools are asked to take school exams remotely as much as possible, in line with the new measures. When needed, schools have the flexibility to adjust their Testing and Completion Program (PTA) to achieve this. Schools choose the best way to take the school exam. That can be by video calling, but also physically at school or in smaller groups.

June 4 is the latest day a student will hear if they passed, failed, or can still take retake tests. Depending on the school and finishing the exams, some students may hear earlier if they passed.

6. Where Can I Go If I Disagree With School Policy Or If My Child Suffers From Corona Measures At School?

If you disagree, Ouders & Onderwijs advises you to contact school management and the school participation council. This council represents the separate and joint interests of parents, students, and staff. The Association for Public Education (VOO) listed the powers of the school participation council.

Try to find a solution by good mutual consultation. For normal disputes, escalation options exist, such as the complaints procedure. But sometimes you experience problems due to corona measures at school against which you cannot directly object. Then you can report this to the Education Inspectorate.

7. Where Can I Go For More Information?

For answers to many questions, you can visit our FAQ page. Of course, you can also contact our advice point by email: vraag@oudersonderwijs.nl or by phone: 088-6050101. We are available on weekdays between 09.30-12.30 and 13.00-16.00.