Belgian teachers demand exam cancellation amid school disruptions; minister resists

A wave of protests and class disruptions in Belgian schools has led to calls for the cancellation of mandatory external certification exams, including the CEB, CE1D, and CESS. Teachers and unions argue that the preparation and administration of these crucial exams have been compromised by the ongoing unrest, making it unfair to proceed as planned.

Teachers are questioning why the government can bend regulations, as seen in the recent decree-program vote, while they are expected to adhere strictly to exam protocols. Unions have formally requested Minister Valérie Glatigny to issue clear instructions to prevent the imposition of external exams in schools where conditions have been significantly disturbed. They advocate for the cancellation of these exams whenever basic preparation or passage conditions are not met.

Minister Glatigny, however, has firmly rejected these calls. She maintains that the external exams are mandatory by decree and are essential for guaranteeing equal treatment among students. According to the minister, these standardized tests, with identical questionnaires, a common schedule, and harmonized grading, are designed to provide a fair assessment and that their cancellation would disproportionately penalize students already facing difficulties.

The political party Les Engagés, part of the governing coalition, has taken a nuanced stance. While they support maintaining the external exams, they have expressed openness to "adaptations." The exact nature of these potential adjustments remains unclear, but the party emphasizes the importance of these evaluations as benchmarks in students' academic journeys and as indicators for the broader educational system.