International Pisa report warns of teacher shortages in disadvantaged schools
Schools with many disadvantaged pupils more often lack money and teachers. This is the conclusion of an international Pisa study published today. "It's worrisome that your zip code determines your chances in life."
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Uit the Pisa report, which was commissioned by the OECD (the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), it appears that the teacher shortage in underprivileged schools is not a typically Dutch problem. Disadvantaged schools around the world are more likely to lack resources and teachers. "Pupils in these schools are double behind," write the Pisa researchers. 'That of their socio-economic background and of the school system.'
Read performance
In the Netherlands, 35,7 percent of students attend a school where instruction is hindered by a lack of teachers. This means that the Netherlands scores clearly worse than the OECD average of 27 percent. The directors of these Dutch schools report that the teacher shortage is at the expense of reading performance.
Disadvantaged students have one chance in life: a good school and a fantastic teacher
In many countries, there is still significant inequality between the performance of students in disadvantaged schools and the performance of students in schools in better neighborhoods. "Students from good families will find their path to success," the research states. "But disadvantaged students have only one chance in life: a good school and a great teacher."
Postal Code
If students miss this boat, the researchers say, they will end up in a negative spiral. Their learning outcomes then confirm their educational disadvantage, instead of eliminating it. "It is disappointing that in many countries your school's zip code is a strong predictor of your learning performance," the report said.
Urgency
According to the researchers, the disparity between disadvantaged schools and schools in better neighborhoods must be addressed 'with great urgency'. 'Eliminating disadvantages increases social cohesion and increases the skills of the working population - and therefore economic growth.'
Also read: 'Dutch Pisa scores are dropping'
