WILLEMSTAD – The education system in Curaçao is grappling with significant challenges concerning both basic quality standards and equal opportunities for students. According to two recent reports produced by SEO Economisch Onderzoek in collaboration with the University of Curaçao, only a few schools meet the minimum quality standards. Approximately one-third of schools meet basic quality requirements, while HAVO/VWO schools fail to meet the standard entirely. Additionally, many students lack equal opportunities to fully realize their learning potential.
The reports reveal that numerous schools face structural deficits, including a lack of qualified teachers, which negatively impacts the quality of pedagogical and didactic practices. Furthermore, the absence of teaching materials tailored to the local context makes it difficult to improve students' academic performance.
Researchers also pointed to significant disparities between schools in terms of available resources and infrastructure. Some schools are missing basic facilities, such as functioning toilets and safe play areas. In its latest assessment, the Education Inspectorate confirmed that no HAVO/VWO schools meet the minimum standards, and only one in three primary schools meets the basic requirements.
Inequality of Opportunity
Regarding inequality of opportunity, the reports highlight a notable link between the socioeconomic background of students and their academic performance. Students from lower-income families often struggle to capitalize on equal opportunities due to limited access to extra support or tutoring.
Additionally, a lack of multilingual learning materials causes children who speak a language other than the instruction language at home to fall significantly behind. The absence of monitoring and reliable data makes it difficult to address these issues effectively. “Without insight into who is specifically disadvantaged, policy measures remain abstract and largely ineffective,” the researchers stated.
Recommendations for Improvement
The researchers recommend a ten-point plan, supported by a one-time investment of up to ten million guilders and annual costs of one hundred thousand guilders, to drive tangible improvements. The plan includes targeted investments in support for disadvantaged students and efforts to make quality education more accessible.
Furthermore, the plan focuses on making the teaching profession more attractive by offering better salaries and extensive professional development opportunities.
The researchers advocate for teaching materials that are better aligned with the local context and the expansion of special education services. Finally, they emphasize the importance of modernizing school buildings and addressing the infrastructure shortcomings.
The reports urge policymakers to act swiftly to address these pressing issues and improve both the quality of education and opportunities for all students in Curaçao.