Program description

The research program Cohortonderzoek Primair Onderwijs (PRIMA) (Longitudinal Data Collection Primary Education) describes and explains the development of cognitive and social skills as well as social behaviour of pupils in primary education. The most important perspective is the contribution of the school in this development. Since the 1994/1995 school year, biennial research has been performed with respect to pupils in groups 2, 4, 6, and 8 in some 600 schools for (special) primary education. In doing so, as many of the same pupils as possible are followed in their educational development. Information is not only collected regarding the pupils, as the program also collects extensive information from teachers, school boards and parents.

PRIMA has various functions. The research operates as information source for the national government regarding various policy issues, as well as offering science a unique data source for a wide range of subjects.

Throughout the research, it has been possible to include a number of additional questions in the context of a theme. The theme of the sixth cycle (starting Spring 2005) is: ‘Problem pupils in primary education’.