AOb withdraws from consultation on appropriate education with ministry
De AOb withdraws from the consultations that the union has with the Ministry of Education about appropriate education. Director Thijs Roovers: "With the countless signals and questions from teachers and support staff - which we always bring in during these consultations - nothing is done. It is pointless to keep talking."
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Now that the ministers are taking steps towards inclusive education, while appropriate education squeaks and creaks on all sides, for the AOb the measure full. The largest education union was involved on the sidelines from the start and was very critical. Thijs Roovers: “The preconditions were and still are not in order. Think: small classes, well-trained staff and clarity about what support a regular school should offer.”
De AOb stayed 'at the table'. Roovers: “Our goal has always been to convey the concerns of our members about the system and its consequences for students, the teaching staff and the quality of education in the best possible way. But we have to conclude that the voice of the teaching staff is not being heard. No significant steps have been taken in the right direction.”
The number of home sitters is rising, there are again more students in special education there is too often no suitable education and appropriate care – which helps the pupil and relieves the teacher.
At the same time, the Ministry of Education's train rumbles on towards inclusive education. For the AOb the measure is now full. Roovers: “Appropriate education is the reason for some of the departing teaching staff to leave the sector. The system leads to frustrations and high work pressure. Teachers must serve more students with extra care needs within the classroom than before the introduction of appropriate education.”
In 2019, education staff responded en masse to a AOb-survey about appropriate education. This showed, among other things, that in each class – primary and secondary education – there are on average eight pupils with a care need, five of whom receive the extra care they need and three do not.
Roovers: “First, the foundation has to be in order. Think of a maximum number of children per class and proper preparation for working with students who need extra care. Our supporters have lost confidence in that.”
Also read: 'Inclusive education seems further away than ever'
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