Recommendation on study choice from secundary to higher education (03/28/2013)

Success rates in the first year of higher education remain low. The Vlor agrees that, in the short term, action is needed to enhance the success rates, but is not convinced of the added value of an orientation test at the end of secondary education. It is better to invest in a better study choice process.

Schools should work from a shared vision on study choice guidance, with an important role for the school leaders, the school team and each individual teacher. Therefore, the Vlor states that competences in study choice guidance have to be part of the professional profile of the teacher. Schools have to be able to work together in this field with centers for pupils’ guidance (clb) and the educational guidance (pbd) services, as well as with the pupils and their parents.

The study choice has to be based on quality information on the pupil and on the offer of higher education and the competences required to enter.

The Vlor values the use of test tools that allow pupils to position themselves compared to the needed starting competences for higher education. The Vlor asks the governement to invest in the validation of those tools to guarantee their quality. There are opportunities for extra tests for well defined broad study fields, based on quality scientific research; the development of this kind of tools will have financial consequences.

The Vlor pleads for a structural and permanent consultation between actors from secondary and higher education in the short term.