Language test for Dutch-language education in Brussels must be reviewed

The N-VA is concerned that the application of the priority rule for Dutch speakers in Dutch-speaking education in Brussels is too lax. From the answer to a written question to Flemish Minister for Brussels Benjamin Dalle, the N-VA concludes that the level of Dutch language certification applied by the Huis van het Nederlands does not correspond to the language level laid down by decree. “Everyone is welcome in Dutch-language education. But the priority rule came about for legitimate reasons. It must not be hollowed out now because its application is too lax.”

In Dutch-language education in Brussels, there is a priority rule for children of whom at least one parent is Dutch-speaking. Parents can prove this right of priority for their child by submitting a Dutch-language secondary education diploma, or by passing a Dutch-language test at the Huis van het Nederlands. The level required for that test is laid down by decree at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). “That level B2 of the CEFR is very sound. It makes you a truly independent user of the language. However, we fear that the level of the Dutch-language test of the Huis van het Nederlands does not correspond to level B2 as defined by the CEFR,” points out the N-VA, expressing its concern.

Only oral tests

For example, the language test only consists of oral tests and completely disregards reading and writing skills. Listening is also not really taken into account. “However, it is difficult to follow an information evening at school if you do not know enough Dutch. We thus find that the language test is very fragmentary and only covers two of the five required CEFR skills. How can one assess whether someone really speaks Dutch sufficiently based on such a limited test,” the N-VA wonders.

Priority rule misses the mark

Dutch-language education is a quality brand in Brussels that attracts many French-speakers and speakers of other languages. The priority rule for Dutch speakers is necessary to safeguard the Dutch-language character of education so that precisely that quality is guaranteed. “But it is also the rule par excellence that must ensure that Dutch-speaking parents in Brussels can still find a place for their children in a Dutch-language school of their choice, given the capacity shortage. If the application of the priority rule is lax, it completely misses the mark,” the N-VA explains.

Dutch language test on the rise

During the most recent registration period in May 2020, it turned out that the Dutch-language test of the Huis van het Nederlands is increasingly popular. “It is very positive that ever more inhabitants of Brussels are convinced of the role of Dutch and Dutch-language education; however, it is crucial that the Dutch language test is as it should be.”

Set the bar high enough

The N-VA requested additional information from Flemish Minister of Education Ben Weyts. He indicated that, in the context of feasibility, it was decided in 2010 to limit the language tests to oral tests of half an hour. “For Minister Weyts, the bar must remain high enough, even if you want to have broad public access to the language tests. As Minister of Education, Ben Weyts will take up this matter further with Minister of Civic integration Flanders has a policy for civic integration. This is a guided and targeted form of social integration for people of foreign origin. The intention is that the newcomers are provided with a valuable place in society by including them instead of excluding them. Civic integration, which includes language lessons and civic integration courses, was brought about by the participation of the N-VA in the Flemish Government since 2004 and the appointment of a Minister for Civic Integration. Civic Integration Bart Somers, with the intention of analysing the language tests further. We also think that is necessary,” the N-VA says in agreement with the minister.

Thoroughly reconsider the language test

The N-VA therefore invites the competent ministers Bart Somers and Benjamin Dalle to thoroughly reconsider the format of the language test: “The current management agreement between the Flemish government, the Flemish Community Commission (VCG) and the Huis van het Nederlands expires at the end of this year and needs to be updated. In the coming weeks, Flemish ministers Bart Somers and Benjamin Dalle will hold talks to reach a new management agreement for the period 2021-2025. These conversations provide an ideal momentum to take a close look at the Dutch-language test and adjust it where necessary. We will continue to monitor this in the Flemish Parliament and the VGC.”

“Let it be clear: everyone is welcome in Dutch-language education. But the priority rule came about for legitimate reasons. It must not be hollowed out now because its application is too lax,” the N-VA concludes.