Even in the second academic year after Corona, concerns about the situation in the primary, secondary, vocational and higher education sectors still remain. For example, according to the progress report sent by the government to the House of Representatives, some of the students are experiencing mental health problems.
The fifth report on the consequences of Corona for education shows that “rays of renewed hope” have emerged. Primary school students are generally learning as quickly as before the pandemic, the number of students who are late in their classes is decreasing, and the number of students dropping out is also decreasing. The number of students who were successful in the final exams has almost returned to its previous level.
At the primary education level, the gap between students from lower and higher socioeconomic backgrounds has narrowed. Corona increased the inequality of opportunity between these two groups.
“Sustainable impact”
“But at the same time, concerns remain,” write outgoing education ministers Dijkgraaf (higher education) and Paul (primary and secondary education). “Unfortunately, the pandemic is having a significant and lasting impact on the mental health of many students.”
And “we’re definitely not there yet” in the primary and secondary sectors. Especially the situation of students in the upper grades of primary schools and lower grades of secondary schools is still worse than before Corona.
The progress report was prepared as part of the National Education Programme, which aims to address coronavirus-related delays and mental health issues. Elementary and secondary schools can continue to receive money from this program next school year. Additional financial support for MBO and higher education expires in 2024.
Source: NOS
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
