In a bold move to reduce academic pressure on students, a secondary school in the Netherlands has decided to block parental access to student grades. This policy, introduced by Jordan – Montessori Lyceum Utrecht, aims to allow students a month-long break from parental scrutiny, which is widely expected to ease their stress levels. Reports from The Guardian suggest that the policy is largely supported, with 95% of parents backing the proposal. Furthermore, the parents’ council is advocating for a 10-week period without grade-sharing access.
Teacher’s Study Highlights Stress from Grade App Notifications
Economics teacher Stijn Uittenbogaard conducted a study that found the app, which notifies parents of each new grade, heightened student stress. Uittenbogaard’s research, which included nearly half of the student body, revealed that children with parents who frequently checked their grades rated their stress at an average of 2.7 out of 5. In contrast, students with parents who rarely monitored the app reported a lower stress level of 2.
“This constant pressure on students to perform at high levels is a modern development. In my school days, reports were shared only four times a year,” said Uittenbogaard. “Now, parents get push notifications for every new grade, which puts unnecessary pressure on kids to explain each result as soon as they come home.”
A Push Towards Life Skills Over Performance
Rector Geert Looyschelder approved the suspension, citing that the Dutch school system’s emphasis on grades was impairing students’ life skills, like empathy and adaptability. “Students have the right to make mistakes; that’s fundamental to learning,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Lobke Vlaming, director of a national parents’ association, noted that feedback on the initiative has been positive. Parents appreciate the privacy considerations and reduction in pressure on students. “While it’s important that parents remain informed, they do not need access to every grade,” she said.
