Brussels (Brussels Morning – March 20, 2024) In a startling revelation, the first planning burden report has unveiled that an overwhelming four out of five teachers are grappling with unnecessary administrative tasks. Flemish Member of Parliament Roosmarijn Beckers from Vlaams Belang voices concern, stating, “Although the planning burden problem has been known for too long, it has not been thoroughly addressed. Our teachers are more concerned with general education. They must teach so that our education can excel again.”
What Does the Report Reveal?
From May 2022 to June 2023, the education inspectorate conducted a comprehensive survey, engaging approximately 8,500 individuals in the education sector to delve into the depths of planning burden. Shockingly, 83 percent of respondents expressed experiencing a significant amount of planning burden. The primary culprit, as highlighted in the report, is the individualized approach to students’ education. When questioned about responsibility, 80 percent attributed the burden to the Education Inspectorate, 78 percent to umbrella organizations and organizing bodies, and 56 percent to external demands from parents. Furthermore, a considerable portion of the planning burden was found to stem from school management practices.
Beckers reacts to the findings, remarking, “It is unfortunately not surprising that four out of five teachers experience planning burden. It has previously been shown that teachers regard on average one-third of their working time as a planning burden. The planning burden problem has been known for too long, but it has not been thoroughly addressed.”
Is Socialization of Education to Blame?
Vlaams Belang, in addressing the issue of planning burden, points fingers at the socialization of education. Beckers emphasizes, “Our teachers are more concerned with general education than teaching. If it depends on the left, they would also have to take care of the nutrition of the students. This is a task for the parents and will only increase the planning burden.”
The party suggests regulatory reforms and parental involvement as potential solutions. Beckers asserts, “New rules must be much more transparent and communicated in a timely manner. In addition, parents must also be made responsible. They should ensure that the lunch boxes are filled and the homework is done instead of challenging educational results. Our teachers must teach so that our education can excel again.”
