Learning about Student Services programs at Noorderpoort


Monday was a real work day.  I spent most of the day at Lisbeth's school site.  She had lined up several meeting with teachers and other coordinators of student service programs and I had a great time talking with all of them.  I also had a good time taking with a few students again.

If anyone is wondering what I'm learning ... I'll try to sum it up in a few words.

The Netherlands has mandatory education until about the age of 18 like we do.  But two main in differences seems to exist (that I can see anyway).  First, from the age of 12 kids are tested and a system of tracking begins; at the age of 16, many of them are making choices about vocational programs they will complete.  Some, of course, begin a track towards university, but it appears that most others are in programs of vocational education, or at least what we might call, career preparation education (for instance they earn a diploma in business marketing or secretarial skills, among other things).  Second, ALL students should be participating in an internship as part of their schooling.  And it can make up a large portion of their schooling at they progress to their and forth years depending on their program choice.  I see a lot of advantages in this especially when it comes to getting real world practice.  Of course they have their challenges when it comes to getting internships for everyone, but they certainly are doing a good job trying.  One other slight difference is that even though the legal obligation to attend school ends at 18, they have decided to make concerted efforts to encourage young people to continue.  They are very proactive, and search out, call, visit, and talk with community leaders in order to entice or try to convince young people to finish their career diplomas; these efforts continue until they reach at least 23.





The real fun started after work when I made home made macaroni and cheese for some dinner guests.  Every time we talked about the dinner everyone turned up their noses at it, literally. The checker at the grocery store gave me such a bad time.  But I had the last laugh.  The two dinner guests had their first helping and a full second helping.  They loved it.  



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