More transparency for pupil orientation

(CS/DS) Luxembourg Education Minister Clauder Meisch has announced plans for more transparency in the orientation of students from primary to secondary school level at state schools.

When leaving primary school, students can be placed in three different systems – the so-called “classique” branch, a technical branch and, integrated in the technical branch, modular education. Modular education sees students progress at their own pace in individual units. The latter option is chosen for less apt students and earns them a lower-level qualification in the end.

Meisch said on Monday that the government was pursuing four main goals in its reform of the orientation process, which is hoped to come into force for the 2016/17 academic year.

Under the proposals, parents are set to be more involved in the decision-making process, with Meisch saying that this should be a “shared responsibility.” This is aimed at creating fewer disputes in the matter. This year, around 14 percent of parents filed a complained against the decision of their children's schools. While students can take an additional exam, this does little to help pupils, parents and teachers, Meisch explained.

Additionally, Meisch said that the orientation process should start earlier, mapping the child's progress and allowing for deficits in certain areas to be addressed in time. Beginning the process earlier would also allow parents to be more involved in the progress of their children at school, he argued.

In a bid to simplify the orientation process, fewer resources will be spent on students were the verdict is clear and without conflict. On the other hand, students where the process is more difficult would receive more support under the plans.

The Education Minister also revealed that of 5,119 students who completed primary school this year, 35.3 percent will attend a “lycée classique” at the start of the new school year, with 47 percent moving on to the technical branch and 17.7 percent pursuing their education at modular level.

Meisch said that these figures confirm medium-term averages of the past years.