www.lievendekeyschool-isk.nl

Source: www.lentiz.nl

I have been getting some questions on the Dutch education system and where exactly the ISK figures in and what some of the practices are. Well, on the graphic on the right, you can see a middle section that stands for ages 12 to 18 and on the very right there is a red bar that reads “Special Secondary Education”. ISK falls into that description and is placed somewhat outside of the system.

The ISK or reception classes for foreign students in secondary education go back to 1970s when migrant workers started arriving from Mediterranean countries and it was noticed that their children had trouble integrating into the school system. So schools began creating separate classroom for foreign students where the main focus was learning the Dutch language. read more »

For some time, the independent consulting agency Sardes, which aims to forge a direct link between research, policy and practice, has organized the exchange of information among municipalities about educational issues. In these networks, experiences can be shared and problems discussed. Also, they are aimed to provide support for schools struggling with the system. In addition to the existing knowledge and support networks for local institutions, there is now a “schakel network” for the exchange of teaching practices.

Participants include teachers, counselors and coordinators of ISK-classes. In this network, they can practice with each other and discuss methods and approaches. Also educational material specially developed for the schakelklas can be exchanged. read more »