Reforming Secondary Education: A Crucial Step Towards a Prosperous Future

Secondary education reform has been a highly debated topic in Belgium, particularly under the government of Peeters II. While this reform was intended to be the flagship initiative, it faced significant resistance from various parties. Consequently, the contours of the reform remain relatively vague, its implementation is timid, and much of the concrete action has been deferred until after the elections.

In response to this situation, education specialists from the four major Flemish universities are sounding the alarm: a comprehensive reform is urgently needed. Contrary to the claims of opponents, such reform will not lead to a downward leveling. On the contrary, doing nothing is tantamount to setting a time bomb that threatens the prosperity of Flanders. The early orientation of students in the wrong direction undermines their motivation, widens social inequality, promotes early school dropout rates, and stigmatizes technical and vocational schools.

Join the Education Debate: Essential Questions and Potent Solutions

The reform of secondary education is not just an academic concern; it is a societal debate of utmost importance. This thought-provoking book provides the crucial questions that need to be asked and a range of potential answers for consideration.

Authored by leading experts in the field, this book brings together the expertise of Ides Nicaise, Head of Education and Society at KU Leuven and leader of the HIVA research group on Education and Lifelong Learning; Dimokritos Kavadias, a lecturer at VUB and UA with a strong interest in education sociology, cultural sociology, and inequality sociology; Bram Spruyt, a lecturer at VUB specializing in educational sociology, cultural sociology, and social inequality; and Mieke Van Houtte, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Ghent and head of the CuDOS research group.

By delving into the complex issues surrounding secondary education reform, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the topic, providing valuable insights, evidence-based analysis, and potential solutions. Whether you are an educator, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this book is an essential resource for understanding the challenges and opportunities in transforming secondary education for the betterment of society.