Mandatory math test criticized: report

The math test that all students doing further education have had to sit, mandatorily, since this year is unsuitable according to the Bosker commission. Teachers have criticized this earlier. The questions are too long, and there is too much text. The Bosker commission inspected the math tests at the request of the Ministry of Education, and came to the conclusion that students need more time to get used to the test. Schools must also receive more time to bring their students' math capacity up to standard. The commission warns that students should not be disenfranchised by the shortcomings of the test. This year, the marks for the math test don't count yet. Whoever earns a 4 for the test next year, however, will not be allowed to sit the final exam. If the student gets a 5, then further demands count. Minister of Education, Jet Bussemaker, and State Secretary Sander Dekker will soon address the recommendations of the commission. The investigation was initiated after a hearing about the math test in December 2013. Teachers and experts heavily criticized the introduction of the mandatory math test. "A math test is fine, if it indeed tests calculation. But this has absolutely nothing to do with calculation", said mathematics teacher Karin den Heijer at the time.