It is an exciting week for many primary school students, because the progression test – previously better known as the Cito test – is on the program. This test makes it clear how well students can count and read and how good their language skills are. The results of the test provide advice for secondary education.
The test is also taken at OBS De Flint in Ekehaar. It is a small school and group eight has four students, all girls. “This morning we had reading comprehension, now we’re going to continue with math,” Jill and Jennifer say. They don’t find it exciting and there is no preparation involved. “No, just concentrate and do your best,” he says matter-of-factly.
Due to a new law that was adopted last year, the former Cito test is now called the advancement test and there have been some changes. The test will be taken in February and not in April. This should ensure that students continue to develop even after taking the test.
There will now also be one registration week for further education. This way, students have an equal chance of getting a place at a new school because everyone registers at the same time. In Drenthe there is enough space at most schools, but in other provinces there are waiting lists for secondary schools.
By taking the test earlier, taking it should be less exciting for students. But the four students of OBS De Flint in Ekehaar are not bothered by tension. In fact, they have already received school advice from their teachers.
“We did that on purpose,” says teacher Leonoor Seidel. “We notice that children find it a bit exciting to take such a test. They start to worry about it. Because what if the result is lower than hoped, will they have to go to another school? That’s why we said: that’s possible. not happening.”
If the result is higher, the choice of school can be changed. “The result is binding insofar as an advice is an advice. And if it is higher than we gave, then they must also be placed at that school.” However, the soup is not eaten as hot as it is served. “We can decide differently in consultation with parents.”
Yet Seidel is not yet convinced about the advancement test. “We have a small school and I have had the children in class since group six. We therefore have a very clear picture of what they can do and where they could go. But that’s just the way it is, so you just have fun “, concludes Seidel, who simply tries to make two fun days of the test days.