Parents and students: make classes ready for inclusive education.

Parents and students: make classes ready for inclusive education.

On Wednesday April 5, a debate about tailored education is planned in the House of Representatives. Together with 16 organizations for parents, students and children's rights, we wrote a letter to the members of parliament. For years, representatives of parents and students have been raising concerns about tailored education. But despite good ambitions, little is noticed in the classroom. It is time for action. Put the basics in order, take steps now towards inclusive education and give children the right to learn.

The tailored education introduced in 2014 should give students with support needs the right, proper support. In practice, this system does not appear to be the solution. Since the 2019 evaluation of tailored education, there has been much talk about improvements. Yet many distressing stories still reach our organizations. Around 15,000 children still stay home without education, the number of children going to special education increases, and the number of exemptions from compulsory education only grows. Parents clearly say: ‘Nothing has changed in the classroom for my child and the teacher.’ It is time for improvement in the classroom. In a joint letter to the House of Representatives, we respond to the situation and the minister’s plans. 1. Basics in order To properly implement tailored education, the basics must be right. Schools face a teacher shortage and high workload. Teachers have too little time to give enough attention to students with support needs. Moreover, many schools have too little expertise or extra staff to support teachers. We call on politicians to make a concrete plan for smaller classes, more help in the classroom and enough support staff at all schools. A parent about the state of tailored education:

2. Working on inclusive education Within an inclusive education system, every child can develop in their own way and pace. It is great that some schools realize inclusive education on their own in their village or neighborhood. But too many schools still refuse children if they need care or support. Taking steps towards inclusive education is too optional now. The Ministry of OCW must ensure that laws and policies support inclusive education. To make these steps, money and support from the government are also needed. And make sure schools make a plan showing how they work towards inclusive education. 3. Ensure the right to learn The current education system is based on compulsory education: the child must come to school for education. Not every child can physically come to school. These children get stuck. They stay home without education. While some of these children want and can learn. We therefore advocate changing compulsory education to the right to learn. This way, students, parents and schools look together at the child’s development options. Legally establish this right to learn and use it as the basis for inclusive education for all children. Letter debate tailored education On Wednesday April 5, a debate on tailored education is planned in the House of Representatives. In preparation, 17 organizations wrote a letter to the members of the permanent parliamentary education committee. The following organizations contributed to the letter: Iederin, Parent Association Balance, LBVSO, Carefree to School, LAKS, For Working Parents, FOSS, MIND, OCO, Fodok, Angry Parents, Education affair, NVA, Foundation Gifted!, JongPIT, Defence for Children and Ouders & Onderwijs.