Question & answer: National Program Education.

Question & answer: National Program Education.

Earlier this year the recovery plan for education was launched. The so-called National Program Education must help to better deal with study delays during this corona period. To give more clarity about the concrete content of the plan we have listed the main questions and answers.

1 – What does the planning look like? 

This month all schools will receive a letter from the ministry with more information about the National Program Education. After that schools can use a scan to map out which problems and needs there are among students and the school. In May schools will then choose from a menu based on the scan which measures they will take. A month later schools will hear what budget is available per student. Before the start of the new school year the schools will then make a school program for the school years 2021/22 and 2022/23. The school participation council of the school must approve this. At the start of the new school year the school will then receive the budget. For a clear overview the ministry has made a handy timeline.  

2- What exactly is meant by a scan? 

This is a problem and needs analysis on student and school level on the basis of which the school then makes a reasoned and substantiated choice for appropriate measures. This analysis focuses on the learning development, social development and well-being of students. For example by looking at the home situation and support students get there. It concerns not only language and math but also other learning areas. Like Social Studies or Arts and Culture. The scan applies to all students, including those who stay at home. Parents are actively involved in the analysis and follow-up of individual students.  

3 – How can the school determine which measures are needed? 

From April the ministry will put on the website a list of possible measures in the form of a ‘menu’ available. In cooperation with experts from science and with teachers and school leaders the school looks at the menu. The school makes a choice by critically looking at the school scan so that the expertise at the school is used as efficiently as possible. Mtailoring is important in the application. To come to a broadly supported package of measures the school participation council is also involved. Other parents also play an important role. 

4 – Will there be summer schools?

Yes. For students who need extra teaching and guidance there will also be an offer during the summer holidays. Most likely in the first and last week of the holiday. This happens on the recommendation of the school, but can not be made compulsory. 

5– How are the chosen measures concretely made? 

The chosen measures are worked into a school program. This is a plan of action. It contains the description of conclusions from the scan, the goals that come from it and the chosen approach. Furthermore the program provides the financing accountability in the school years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023. It is important that school teams are involved in making choices for the school program. This is the result of consultation between everyone involved at the school. And it is set after approval of the school participation council and published on the school’s website.  

6– How much money is available per student? 

For the school year 2021-2022 the estimate is that for support to schools for the use of chosen interventions an amount of 700 euros per student is available. This applies to students in primary and secondary education. This amount per student is an indication, to provisionally assume. It does not yet include the higher contribution for schools with many students at higher risk of delays and does not distinguish between different types of schools. More clarity about the final amount per student will come no later than June. 

7– Do all schools get the same amount of support? 

No, schools that already have trouble get extra money. This is for example schools with a challenging population or a pile-up of problems or a high risk of delays. This will be worked out in the coming weeks.  

8 – What are improvement proposals from Ouders & Onderwijs? 

Ouders & Onderwijs made together with seven other parentorganizations improvement proposals for the plan. For example there could be more attention for students with a specific support need and it is questioned whether the school participation council is sufficiently equipped to decide about the large plan. A guide for the school participation council would help with that. As well as a discussion guide for student, parent and school to discuss how a student is now doing and what support is needed. 

Other questions? 

For answers to other questions you can consult our earlier news message. It describes the details of the National Program Education. But you can of course also contact our staff. By e–mail: vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or by phone: 088-6050101. We are available on weekdays between 09.30-12.30 and 13.00-16.00.