Schools under pressure

Original title: Scholen onder druk. Primary and secondary schools have been confronted over the last 15 years with a plethora of demands, wishes and expectations, not only from central government, but also from civil-society organisations, parents and, more recently, local authorities. These demands and expectations relate to things such as the content of education, the educational/didactic approach, the educational achievements of both pupils and school, cooperation with preschool and out-of-school services and the position of parents. This study was inspired by concerns about the position of schools. Reports from the Dutch Education Inspectorate and research consistently show how great the distance is between the policy ambitions and everyday educational practice. As a result of all the demands, requirements and expectations the core task of the school - providing good education - is in danger of losing out. The study results in a model in which the different responsibilities of local and national government, schools, parents and out-of-school organisations are clearly defined. The purpose of the study is to engender a discussion on these issues