Improvement Agenda Debate Tailored Education In Mbo.

Improvement Agenda Debate Tailored Education In Mbo.

Wednesday 9 November there is a debate in the House of Representatives about mbo, where tailored education is also discussed. Minister Dijkgraaf indicates wanting to realize inclusive education within mbo. Yet the exclusion of students with a disability is not yet addressed thoroughly enough in the current improvement agenda. JongPIT, JOBmbo, Ieder(in) and Ouders & Onderwijs have jointly written a letter to the House of Representatives with three focus points that deserve more attention. These points are:

• Broaden the definition of what exclusion of students with a disability or support needs means.
• Involve students with a disability structurally in the content of the improvement agenda.
• Effectively monitor the impact of the improvement agenda.

Defining exclusion

The improvement agenda sets four focus areas within tailored education in mbo: intake, quality of the teaching teams, connection between care/youth/education and the work placement (including the step to the labor market). According to us, one important focus area is missing, namely exclusion of students with a disability or support needs. Many students are rejected for a course due to their disability. But (indirect) exclusion can also happen even before enrollment. Think of open days, where a interested student in a wheelchair might hear that no adjustments are possible on location.

• You can read our questions to the minister here.

Involving students

Currently, the participation of students with a disability in the mbo improvement agenda is organized on too small a scale. This is a pity, because the improvement agenda would benefit from regular meetings with students. This way you can check whether the improvement agenda matches the experiences in practice. Important addition: It is important these students receive fair compensation for their effort. And of course that accessibility requirements are taken into account.

Monitoring impact of improvement agenda

What is the impact of the improvement agenda on daily practice in mbo? That is an important question. Inclusive education in mbo means there is no place for exclusion and discrimination.

• Would you like to read the entire letter? You can here.