rapportcijfers

Rapportcijfers are numerical grades or scores used within the Dutch education system to evaluate students' academic performance. These grades serve as a quantitative measure of a student's understanding and mastery of subject matter, often reflected through report cards (rapporten) issued periodically throughout the school year.

In the Netherlands, the grading system typically ranges from 1 to 10, with specific meanings associated with each number. A score of 10 indicates excellent performance, demonstrating exceptional understanding and skills, while a 1 signifies significant deficiencies. A grade of 5.5 or higher is generally considered a passing mark, with grades above 7 indicating good to very good performance.

Rapportcijfers are used across various educational levels, from primary to secondary education, and contribute to students' overall academic records. They influence decisions related to student promotion, specialization choices, and, in some cases, eligibility for certain academic programs or extracurricular opportunities.

The use of rapportcijfers aims to provide an objective assessment of student achievement. However, they are often complemented by qualitative feedback, such as teacher comments and assessments of behavioral or social skills, to give a more comprehensive view of a student’s development.

While rapportcijfers are primarily quantitative, ongoing discussions in educational circles address their limitations and how they can best support students’ learning trajectories. Alternative or supplementary evaluation methods, such as portfolio assessments or formative feedback, are increasingly being considered to foster holistic educational development.