studiedagen

Studiedagen are days set aside in the Dutch-speaking education system for the professional development and in-service training of school staff. They are typically non-teaching days, meaning that students do not attend regular classes. The exact arrangements vary by school and region; some institutions offer optional supervision or activities for students, while others close completely.

In the Netherlands and the Flemish part of Belgium, studiedagen are a common feature of the school year, though terminology and scheduling differ. The term studiedag (singular) or studiedagen (plural) is often used interchangeably with insetdag or staff development day in official calendars. The number of studiedagen per year is not standardized and can range from one to several days, often clustered around term transitions or professional development windows.

Purpose and content: on studiedagen, teachers participate in professional development, collaborative planning, curriculum development, assessment training, and school-wide improvement initiatives. They may also cover administrative tasks and targeted meetings. Because students are not in class on these days, families may need to arrange childcare or supervision.

Impact and considerations: studiedagen can affect family planning and childcare arrangements, and may require advance notice through school calendars. While some critics view them as disruptive, supporters emphasize the importance of ongoing teacher development and school improvement.