Dutch government sets three-year goal to reverse decline in pupils’ reading skills

The Dutch government has set a three-year goal to reverse falling reading standards among pupils, as part of a wider plan to improve literacy, numeracy, digital skills and citizenship education.

Education State Secretary Judith Tielen has sent the Strengthening Agenda for Language and Other Basic Skills to the House of Representatives. It calls for more attention to language across the curriculum, not only in Dutch lessons but also in subjects such as history and biology, so pupils can better understand instructions and complex information.

Tielen said reading proficiency among 15-year-olds had declined for years and that she wanted to stop and reverse the trend. She said the government aimed to achieve better reading results within three years, working with pupils, parents, teachers, school leaders, researchers and other education partners. [1]

The agenda builds on the existing Master Plan for Basic Skills rather than replacing it, the government said. It also points to the updated curriculum, which took effect this school year after 20 years, as an opportunity to strengthen basic skills through revised learning objectives, exams and teaching materials. [1]

The plan calls for high expectations of pupils as well as teachers and schools. The government says research indicates that pupils often do better when teachers expect more of them, while low expectations can reduce motivation. It also highlights teacher development and sharing knowledge among school staff as part of the approach. [1]