BSO students don’t reach maths and reading requirements

The Flemish education ministry announced the findings after conducting a survey of 3,000 students. Only 38% achieve the minimum requirements for reading skills. For both listening and mathematics skills, only 39% demonstrate sufficient knowledge.

The students, however, fared better in having the skills to acquire and process information, at 62%. These skills are all part of the so-called Project General Courses, an integrated course including, among other subjects, Dutch, mathematics, geography and history.

The survey shows that girls have more trouble achieving the eindtermen for mathematical skills. There also is a gap between the scores of students who only speak Dutch at home and those who have another language – sometimes in combination with Dutch. The latter group has difficulties concerning reading and listening skills in particular. But their scores for mathematical skills and the ability to acquire and process information are also lower.

In a reaction in De Standaard, the school umbrella organisation Education Secretary for Cities and Municipalities wondered if the eindtermen are actually realistic. “But we shouldn’t lower the bar,” said Inge Placklé of the Free University of Brussels (VUB) and the PXL University College in Hasselt. “The students themselves demand a challenging curriculum. With more differentiation inside a team of teachers, we can raise the level. And actually, the best teachers should be in BSO.”

Photo courtesy Gazet van Antwerpen