They are not intended as terminal education but provide a basis for further education, such as VAVO, basic vocational training, professional training or middle-management training. A key area of adult education is the teaching of Dutch as a second language. Courses of this kind are designed to bring the language skills of non-native speakers up to an acceptable level. Finally, there are courses of a general introductory nature that aim to give students the minimum of language, numeracy and social skills necessary to get by. A major recent innovation in vocational and adult education is the development of a quality assurance system.
Institutions now pursue quality improvement objectives and produce progress reports every two years.
A second element in quality assurance is the external validation of examinations. They are to enter into a written agreement with the institution laying down the rights and obligations of both parties for the duration of their enrolment. This 'contract' must contain agreements on study guidance, counselling on educational and career choices, the content and organisation of teaching and the rules concerning suspensions and expulsions. There is also scope for individual agreements on matters such as accelerated or alternative pathways. Information and communication technology Over the last two years, innovation in the vocational and adult education field has focused mainly on the development of new teaching materials, textbooks and learning concepts.