Instruction for Mathematics and Science in Primary and Lower Secondary Grades
Grade at Which Specialist Teachers for Mathematics and Science are Introduced
In primary education, mathematics and science usually are not taught by subject specialist teachers. A primary school teacher is trained to teach all subjects (except physical education) and all grades of preprimary and primary education. In secondary education, all teachers are subject specialist teachers. As such, different types of colleges provide education for primary and secondary education teachers.
Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Laboratories
Schools are free to choose their own instructional materials with no government mandates. Several varieties of commercially developed instructional materials and teaching methods are available to schools, and some schools develop their own materials. The Dutch Institute for Curriculum Development (SLO) advises schools about the appropriateness of available instructional materials and teaching methods for the Dutch curriculum.
Primary schools usually do not have science laboratories, but most secondary schools do.
Use of Technology
In the Netherlands, almost every school uses Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for educational purposes (including student monitoring systems), and most teachers use digital learning materials in their lessons frequently.17 More than half of all primary and secondary teachers use computers more than 10 hours per week in their teaching. In 2015, there was approximately one digital device (desktop computer, laptop, or tablet) available for every four students. In almost all primary and secondary schools, teachers and students have access to Wi-Fi. In 2015, tablets comprised 16 percent of the digital devices used in primary education, compared to 1 percent in 2013. Tablets often are used in addition to desktop or laptop computers.
Kennisnet is the main public support organization for educational ICT use in primary, secondary, and adult education in the Netherlands, and is supported by the government.18
Accommodation Policies for Instruction and Testing
The policy regarding special needs education over the last decade has been to integrate more students with special needs into mainstream schools, and to reduce the number in special needs schools. Schools receive additional financial support for students with special needs so they can hire specially trained teachers and other personnel, or make other accommodations to support these students. For example, dyslectic students often receive extra individual reading lessons, and when taking tests (including national tests) they are accommodated with enlarged print. Schools differ in the way they deal with students with special needs.