Evaluating New Criteria and Procedures for Funding Special Needs Education in the Netherlands

Abstract

Contrary to the international trend towards throughput-models in special needs funding, the Dutch government has developed a new form of input-funding. The article addresses three criteria for good funding models: objectivity, cost control and fairness. A total of 919 pupil files were judged twice on eligibility by different assessment teams resulting in almost perfect agreement. This suggests a high level of objectivity in making decisions based on the new funding system. Data regarding cost control from 153 regular schools show that the new system does result in an earlier inflow of pupils from regular education. The total period pupils ‘hold’ a budget will be longer, which obviously leads to growing expenses. Finally our data show that a considerable percentage of pupils eligible under the current regulations are not eligible under the new system. Adaptations to the new system are needed in order to make it a more fair one.