WILLEMSTAD - The Final Test for Basic Education, known as the EFO test, will continue to be used in primary schools for one more year. This decision comes as some schools still lack the resources needed to meet the requirements of a new evaluation system, according to a recent announcement by Minister Sithree van Heydoorn in a letter to school boards.
The EFO test is currently used to help students progress to higher educational levels, such as HAVO and VWO. In the meantime, preparations are underway for a new system in which students will receive an educational report instead of a central test. This report will offer a broad assessment of each student’s development and provide recommendations for suitable further education.
Previously, Minister Van Heydoorn had expressed a desire to implement the new system this school year. However, recent findings indicate that not all teachers have access to the necessary digital tools, and there are still questions about creating a standardized version of the educational report and training teachers to provide quality school recommendations based on a comprehensive view of student development.
Given these challenges, the decision was made to extend the current EFO system by another year while necessary adjustments are made. Schools will receive a standardized version of the educational report to document student progress this year and gain a clearer understanding of their advancement opportunities.
The Ministry had previously announced in June the start of a review process for both the EFO test and the educational report. Discussions on the effectiveness of the EFO as a supplement to the educational report have been ongoing. The Ministry has committed to adapting or replacing these tools, as needed, to improve the transition to secondary education.
According to education law, admission to HAVO or VWO is based on the educational report. Schools may also conduct additional evaluations based on the report and students’ development perspectives. The evaluation of the transition from primary to secondary education is part of the broader educational reforms being implemented by the Ministry.
