Less opportunities for children with less educated parents
Children of low-educated parents have fewer opportunities in secondary education, according to almost half of the school leaders in that education sector. In primary education, 30 percent of principals and teachers think this is the case.
This is apparent from a report by Duo Education Research among 2203 teachers and school leaders from primary and secondary education.
When asked whether teachers and school leaders see an increase in inequality, almost a fifth of those surveyed in secondary education indicated that this is the case at their school. The percentage is lower in primary education. The statement that inequality of opportunity is increasing applies to 12 percent of primary schools, the researchers write in the report. Yet many respondents (40 percent in secondary education, 37 percent in primary education) also indicate that the inequality of opportunity at their school has remained the same.
Final test and selection at the gate
Teachers and school leaders attribute the increase in inequality in primary education to the new position of the final test. The advice of the teachers carries more weight and that is disadvantageous for children from underprivileged backgrounds.
"Inequality of opportunity has mainly increased in secondary education," says researcher Liesbeth van der Woud. "That is because parents who are financially well off send their children to tutoring where they receive extra lessons individually. Many secondary schools do provide homework guidance, but that is never one-on-one, such as tutoring." Increasing selection at the gate also contributes to growing inequality. Schools select more strictly because they are judged on performance.
To reduce inequality of opportunity, according to Van der Woud, customization is needed, so that you can guide all children at his or her level. "Only there are also large classes. Teachers and school leaders indicated in the open answers that this is an obstacle. There is therefore less time for individual help. They would like more hands in the classroom," says Van der Woud. The introduction of appropriate education also led to an increase in the number of pupils with different care needs, meaning that not everyone gets enough attention.
Free tutoring
Almost all school leaders and teachers believe that they can do something about inequality of opportunity. For example, 68 percent of secondary schools provide free homework guidance to students.
