For equal opportunities
The success of children at school is often determined by their origin, education and income of their parents, and as a result, inequality of opportunity starts at an early age. Where the schools only want to eliminate disadvantages, BIJ1 wants to tackle this inequality at the root. We want to do this by fighting under-advice and the role of racism, classism and ableism in education. Equal opportunities are created by investing in the schools and students who need it most. Every child deserves an accessible, healthy and safe learning environment where they feel welcome and can develop their talents, regardless of skin colour, gender, neurodivergence, religion or social class.
Amsterdam BIJ1 also stands firmly behind the teachers, who play a crucial role in the future and worldview of our children. They deserve a fair wage and relief from the enormous work pressure that is caused by the shortage of teachers. Schools that suffer the most from this also have the greatest chance of educational disadvantage. Support and remuneration of teachers should therefore be a top priority for the municipality.
With the following policy Amsterdam BIJ1 continues to improve equal opportunities in education:
- The municipality maintains the adopted proposal of Amsterdam BIJ1 not to let the home situation be a factor in the school advice. If the advice is too low, the municipality offers a second opinion.
- Tests for giftedness and forms of neurodivergence must become more accessible for all children.
- The municipality is committed to abolishing the voluntary parental contribution.
- Education for school staff and pupils/students about racism, classism, sexism and ableism should be included in school curricula as standard.
- Companies that are guilty of internship discrimination will not receive assignments and subsidies from the municipality.
- There will be a diversity committee in every school in our municipality. This committee should ensure diversity quotas in all levels of education and administration.
- In all neighbourhoods, free homework help, coaching, tutoring or other support should be offered to anyone who needs it.
- The municipality stimulates wide bridge classes and wide school communities.
- Islamic schools have as much right to safety and expression of their religion as Christian schools; it is up to the municipality to support all schools equally.
- The municipality actively appeals to schools about their responsibility to promote acceptance of LGBTQI+.
- There will be programmes to combat gender-based violence and toxic masculinity. Everyone should be able to express themselves and develop as they wish at school, without being afraid of sexual violence, exploitation or online harassment.
- The number of Samen naar School (To School Together) classes will be increased significantly and all school buildings will be accessible for pupils with disabilities and neuro-diverse pupils.
- All schools in secondary, vocational and higher education will have a psychologist for pupils and students who need support with their psychological and social problems.
- In teacher training colleges, information is given about schools in "developmental neighbourhoods"; work and internships at these schools are actively encouraged.
- The municipality supports schools with ICT and administration, so that teachers have more time for their main task: teaching.