Flanders is aiming to standardise the language test for non-native people learning Dutch, but the feasibility of making the September deadline is looking ever less likely.
Non-EU newcomers hoping to stay in Flanders for over three months have to follow an integration course which includes a Dutch as a Second Language (NT2). At the end of the course is a final test. Currently, differences between the education centres in the region's provinces mean that language levels are inconsistent.
From September 2023, all non-native speakers studying Dutch in adult education will have to take a similar test, Flemish Minister of Education Ben Weyts announced. This should ensure similar levels of language ability across the board and regularise the attainment values.
A test fit for purpose
The first step to harmonising language performance will mean that from September, Dutch reading and writing classes will follow the same curriculum. From September 2024, Dutch-speaking and listening will also be tested in a uniform way.
However, education specialists have argued that this won't be enough time to overhaul the testing system. Experts from the Centre for Language and Education (CTO), affiliated with KU Leuven, concluded that the test is not good enough and is ineffective in measuring the student's language level.
CTO argues that it wouldn't be until March or April next year that a reliable test could be designed. Whilst Flemish MP Loes Vandromme (CD&V) acknowledged the importance of people learning Dutch, she said on Tuesday that "it is of equal importance that this is tested in a correct, reliable way. The quality cannot be guaranteed today."
Far-reaching consequences
Vandromme stressed that under its current form, no legal consequences should be attached to the result of the test. The government is considering linking the results to social housing entitlement, for example.
"If the results are so far-reaching, then it is obvious that the test should also be on point. Attaching practical repercussions to the results of a test that is not yet reliable is not what Flanders stands for," she concluded.
But the Flemish Government is paying little heed to the feedback and is determined to stick to the 1 September start date. Weyts stressed that the standardised test will account for 60% of the assessment while the training centre’s own evaluation will determine 40% of the result.
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This is not the first time the new integration system caused outrage, with education centres going to the Constitutional Court to challenge the new policy, arguing that it compromises the freedom of education.
It also challenged the fact that it will result in people taking the compulsory civic integration course having to pay a €90 registration fee and a further €90 fee for the test. A ruling on the case is expected soon.
