Dutch Dilemmas: decentralisation, school autonomy and professionalisation of teachers

Abstract

The policy of decentralisation of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is aimed at increasing the autonomy of schools. This policy is also considered an appropriate strategy for the revitalisation of the teaching profession. Decentralisation, school autonomy and professionalisation are issues which are strongly interwoven in recent educational policy in the Netherlands. This strive towards decentralisation has also created a fundamental dilemma for the Dutch Government: on the one hand the Government is responsible for the quality of education and on the other hand increasing the autonomy of schools is desired. The question, however, is whether or not a further increase in autonomy and professionalisation of the teachers represents an adequate solution to this dilemma. The conclusion of the article is that the desirability and necessity of decentralisation should receive critical consideration on both political and ideological levels.