Response To Law Proposal To Reduce Absenteeism.
In A Letter To The House Of Representatives Minister Wiersma presented his plans to reduce absenteeism in education. At the same time, he launched a law change in consultation. This law requires schools to register all absenteeism (including authorized) nationally by fixed categories. The law change also allows schools to share this data with attendance officers and partnership tailored education. The minister wants schools to focus on the ‘presence’ of students to make sure the number of children sitting at home goes down.
Our objections
Parents & Education has major objections and concerns about these plans. In recent months, we have discussed this a lot with parents, students, various parties in education, officials, and politicians. Our impression is that the proposals were made quickly in an attempt to find a fast solution for a very complex problem: the more than 15,000 children in the Netherlands who do not go to school.
Lack of tailored education
Parents, students, and the organizations representing them clearly state that the law proposal does not help solve the issue of children sitting at home. It increases pressure and causes more problems. We are also concerned about children’s privacy. The core of our input is that the topic does not get the attention it deserves and there must first be a discussion about the chosen approach. The minister’s plans do not sufficiently address the real cause behind absenteeism: a lack of tailored education and the ability to offer customized support to students who need it. It is better to stop halfway, so we would like to see the minister temporarily withdraw the law changes and have a good talk again with all parties. We trust that this step back now can make it possible to take three steps forward later for the students involved.
You can read our full response here.
Our input is supported by Balans, Ieder(IN), JongPit, Laks, LBVSO, Advisory Council Eigenwijsheid, and Zorgeloos naar School.
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