15 Jul '14

Flemish government negotiators plan entrance exam for teachers

Summary

CD&V and N-VA negotiators plan the move as part of a general reform of teacher training

Raising level of future teachers

The Flemish government negotiators of the CD&V and N-VA parties are planning to introduce an entrance exam for students who want to start teacher training, according to De Tijd, which has seen a note from the education working group. The measure would raise the level of future teachers and would be part of a general reform of teacher training.
 

The negotiators also plan a “teacher career pact”, aimed at making the career of teachers more attractive. Such a pact was predicted to be introduced during the last government. To guarantee each child a place at school, the negotiators are also creating a master plan for extra school capacity. In the past, the large cities in particular have raised the alarm over the lack of budget to give each child a place.

The negotiators have also stated their intention to reduce the pressure of regulation and red tape, since they believe the government has to place more trust in schools. The government will be responsible for setting the goals – for example, on the knowledge and skills pupils need to have obtained when graduating – and schools can then decide to a large extent how they achieve these targets.

Photo courtesy IngImage

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Educational system

The Flemish educational system is divided into two levels: primary (age six to 12) and secondary school (12 to 18). Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 18.
Types - There are three educational networks in Flanders: the Flemish Community’s GO! network, and publicly funded education – either publicly or privately run.
Not enough space - In recent years, Flemish schools have been struggling with persistent teacher shortages and a growing lack of school spaces.
No tuition fees - Nursery, primary and secondary school are free in Flanders.
1

million school-going children in 2013

30

million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013

11

percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma

  • Education in Flanders
  • Secondary education reform
  • European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems

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