In an effort to reduce stress and promote student well-being, the Jordan-Montessori Lyceum Utrecht in the Netherlands has suspended parents’ access to their children’s grades through a popular app. The decision, which will last for one month, aims to give students more autonomy and encourage personal responsibility for their academic progress.
The move has garnered significant support, with 95% of parents backing the change. The school’s parents’ council, which also supports the initiative, has even called for a longer, 10-week suspension to further examine its effects.
Addressing Stress and Student Autonomy
This policy change stems from a study by Stijn Uittenbogaard, an economics teacher at the school, which found a clear link between frequent parental monitoring and increased student stress. Uittenbogaard’s research revealed that students whose parents regularly checked their grades through the app reported stress levels of 2.7 out of five. In contrast, those whose parents checked less frequently had lower stress levels, averaging around two.
Uittenbogaard noted that constant monitoring raised pressure on students to maintain high grades, which in some cases led to feelings of anxiety and fear of disappointing their parents. He explained, “This pressure for students to achieve is really a modern thing,” comparing it to his own school experience when grades were shared less frequently, allowing students more autonomy to manage their academic progress.
The Case for Fewer Notifications
Under the new system, parents no longer receive instant notifications about every grade their child receives. This change is intended to reduce the immediate stress caused by discussions at home following each academic update. Rector Geert Looyschelder echoed Uittenbogaard’s findings, suggesting that the intense focus on grades often inhibits students’ development of essential life skills such as resilience, empathy, and flexibility.
Looyschelder also emphasized that the Dutch educational system values the process of learning from mistakes. He believes excessive parental oversight detracts from this learning experience, which can be crucial for personal growth.
Positive Reception from Parents
Lobke Vlaming, the director of a national parents’ association, reported a positive response to the suspension of grade sharing. Vlaming acknowledged concerns around academic pressure and student privacy, suggesting that the policy could be a significant step towards respecting students’ personal boundaries.
However, she also stressed the importance of maintaining communication between parents and the school, especially when students are facing academic difficulties. While the policy seeks to reduce stress, Vlaming believes that a balanced approach to parent-school communication is essential for supporting students effectively.
The Path Forward
As the month-long pilot continues, the school and parents’ council will evaluate its success. If proven effective, there may be future discussions about extending the suspension of grade access to further promote student well-being and autonomy.
