Mess for failing tailored education.

Mess for failing tailored education.

Since the law introduced Tailored Education in 2014, more children than ever are at home. On April 5, Minister Wiersma (Education) spoke with the members of the permanent Lower House education committee about the state of affairs. The committee thinks that Tailored Education has not delivered enough. Topics such as inclusive education, student transport, Veilig Thuis reports and the national norm for basic support were also discussed. We were there together with other parent organizations and students.

‘Miscellaneous fund’ for children at home  

The debate began with the proposal from the SP to set up a ‘miscellaneous fund’ for children at home. This will make initiatives that guide students possible in the coming years when there is no Tailored Education. These initiatives now struggle to continue because they are not education and not care. Because of this, they fall through the cracks. The minister reacted positively to this proposal and will explore the possibilities. We welcome this development so that (threatened) children at home get a chance to develop again.  

Who owns education?  

D66 said education no longer belongs to parents and children. Their say and influence on education has decreased more and more. We should give that back. The PvdA gave an example from our research among parents. They said there is no development perspective plan and cannot talk about the support at school for their child. The minister answered that he is doing some things to improve the position of parents and students. Like better information and communication and a youth support point for Partnership Tailored Education.  

Inclusive education  

Members of parliament were divided about the minister’s plans to work toward inclusive education in 2035. For example, the PVV wants the minister to stay away from inclusive education as long as Tailored Education does not work. The SGP called the plan for inclusive education a ‘dream world.’ Other parties are much more positive and point to the obligation for inclusive education based on international human rights treaties. D66 suggested making a ‘Law on Inclusive Education’ with goals for the government. Citizens can hold the government to that. It would then be a legally required roadmap to inclusive education.  

National norm for basic support 

In 2019, the Lower House gave the minister the task to create a national norm for basic support. This norm defines what all schools must offer at minimum in support for students. This gives clarity to parents. For teachers, it can be included in their training. Three attempts have been made to reach a norm. Unfortunately, not all parties agreed. Minister Wiersma now asks parents and teachers to work together on a norm for basic support. We will gladly take up that challenge with teachers and work on this soon. 

Student transport  

We said the situation in student transport did not improve over the past year. The Lower House is also worried. The minister said that a lot is being done and many municipalities are working on it. For example, one municipality will test keeping travel time to a maximum of 45 minutes and share good examples among municipalities. The PvdA said these measures are too weak and asked the minister to do more.  

Veilig Thuis reports 

VVD and Groen Links again raised concerns that Veilig Thuis reports are used to pressure parents. Often in cases where there is a difference of opinion about Tailored Education. We still talk to many parents who face this. This is despite a motion to stop this that has been in place for three years. The minister again promised to come up with solutions together with parent organizations. We want to help with this for sure.

Partnership Tailored Education 

There was much talk about the Partnership Tailored Education. Including the money they have on hand. The minister will recover the excess money as the Lower House asked earlier. The minister also announced independent oversight of the Partnership Tailored Education and that he is working on a list of requirements they must meet.  

Getting started 

Before the debate, we sent a letter together with 17 parent and student organizations to the members of parliament. Many of our concerns and recommendations came up in the debate and were taken up. We hope that together we can improve Tailored Education for our children and strengthen the position of parents. In the coming period, we will work on the national norm for basic support, prevent wrong use of Veilig Thuis reports, and the miscellaneous fund.

The next debate about education and care is on May 31.