Flemish government approves new minimum targets for primary education
The Flemish government has given the green light for new minimum targets for pre-school and primary education. These targets, which define what pupils should learn in pre-schools and primary schools, are intended to strengthen the quality of education. They officially apply from September, but schools will be given extra time to adjust their curricula.
The current minimum targets in primary education date from 1997 and have been in need of renewal for some time. Flemish Education minister Zuhal Demir was given the green light for her vision paper at the council of ministers on Friday and wants to move forward quickly. “Urgency is high because our education quality is in freefall,” she said.
“With the plans now approved, we are opting for a clear curriculum based on knowledge,” she said. “Such a knowledge-rich curriculum has already turned the tide in other countries and we can do the same in Flanders.”
Targets for pre-schoolers
The minimum targets for the sixth grade will be updated, but there will now also be targets for the fourth grade in primary schools and the third year in pre-schools. “It is only logical that we also intervene with clear targets in the fourth grade, then schools can remediate for another two years if there are problems,” Demir said.
Pre-schoolers will also have to meet certain minimum requirements. Until now, there were only objectives without obligations. Demir wants the targets for pre-schoolers to focus mainly on Dutch and maths.
“Urgency is high because our education quality is in freefall"
There will be a test at the end of the third year in pre-schools that deals with vocabulary, listening comprehension and numeracy. The test will not be taken individually by each pre-schooler, but will be organised randomly at certain schools.
For the third year in pre-school and the fourth grade in primary education, the minimum targets apply at school level. This means that a majority of pupils must achieve the minimum level of knowledge. In the sixth grade, the minimum level applies to individual pupils for the subjects Dutch and mathematics.
More time for schools
A committee of experts will develop the specific targets. Among them are academics, people from education umbrella organisation, principals and teachers. Demir has also asked several experts from England to participate.
“Such a knowledge-rich curriculum has already turned the tide in other countries and we can do the same in Flanders”
Officially, the new targets will be introduced from September 2025. But this tight timing has been the subject of criticism from the education field and Demir has decided to offer schools more time if needed. Schools get one extra year to adjust their curricula for the subjects Dutch, mathematics and science. All other curricula must be ready by 1 September 2027.
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS LAMBERT
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