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Education in Norway The Norwegian school system

22. april 2013

Kjetil Stavø HøvigCounty Governor of Hordaland, Departement of

Education

Education & ExperienceEducation:University of Bergen: Public administration (MA)University of Bergen: Comparative politics

(BA)---------------------------------------------------------------Experience:University of Bergen 2009-2012.County governor of Hordaland from May 2012.

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The County Governor:

We ensure that appropriate education is provided in accordance with Norwegian educational policy (including kindergartens, private schools and home education)

We co-ordinate different levels of education so it reflects national policy and demands from students of all ages – (including children in kindergartens)

The goal is to have an efficient and flexible schooling system

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We informe about the national educational policy and priorities by:

Written informationMeetings with local authoritiesConferences and short coursesWeb sitesEstablishing networkBe available for local authorities, students, parents etc.

The County Governor:

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Also has a supervison role:

We make sure that the local education system works properly

We ensure students rights

We make final decisions in legal complaints

We ensure that Government fundings and block grants are used in a proper way or according to the intentions

The County Governor:

• Education for all. (Kindergarten included in the educational system)

• All children and young people have an equal right to education and training regardless of social and cultural background or possible special needs

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Unified school system: equal and adapted education

All education is free up to + including upper secondary level

Private schools are primarily intended as a supplement to state-run schools.

Private/independant schools often have a denominational nature. 85% state-support – 100% for pupils with special needs

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Responsibility

The Norwegian Parliament and Government define the goals and decide the budgets for education. Legislation. Curriculum.

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Higher education

Upper secondary schools

Primary and lower secondary schools, kindergartens

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Higher education(State)

Upper secondary schools(County)

Primary and lower secondary schools, kindergartens(Municipiality)

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Kindergartens

• Government objective: provision of kindergarten places of high quality and at a low price

• Pedagogical institutions that comprise care, upbringing, play and learning

• Full-time or part-time places• Both public and private

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Primary and lower secondary schools

Both the county and the municipalities: - Finance the gap between the real costs and

money provided by the government.- Build and maintain schools run by the

municipalities.- Have employer responsabilities for teachers.

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Primary and lower secondary schools

• 10 years of compulsory education• National education policy vs. Local freedom

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Upper secondary schools

Two main directions: 1. General studies2. Vocational studies

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1. Building and construction technology 2. Design, arts and crafts subjects 3. Electrical and electronic subjects 4. Health and social subjects 5. Media & communication (+ option of general

studies Vg3) 6. Utilization of natural resources (+ option of

general studies Vg3) 7. Restaurant trades and nutritional subjects 8. Service and travel 9. Technical skills and industrial production

+ Supplementary programme for general university admissions certification

Nine vocational studies

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General studies

1. Sports subjects 2. Music, dance and drama with programme areas 3. Specialization in general studies with

programme areas • Arts, crafts and design studies • Natural science and mathematics studies • Social science and economics studies • Language studies

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Upper Secondary Education – alternative paths

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Higher education

Most of the higher institutions are owned by the state, and more than 90% of the students attend state-run institutions.

Admission:• Successful completion of upper secondary

education with some specified courses• Qualifications recognized equvalent to

matriculation standard (work experience)

All students must meet the same requirements

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Degrees

• Bachelor - 3 years • Master – 2 years • PhD - 3 years

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Teacher education

Admission: general entrance qualification for students

Pre-school teaching qualification - 3 years (BA)General subject teacher – 4 yearsSingle subject teacher – 3 years

Upper secondary school teachers – 5/6 years (MA)

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Financial support for students

The State Educational Loan Funds (Lånekassen) was established in 1947 to provide financial support for students in the form of loans and grants as a part of the policy for equal opportunities to higher education, regardless of social, economic and geographical background. Support is also provided for studies abroad.

More information: www.lanekassen.no

Priority areas

• Assessment for learning• NY GIV• GLØD

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NY GIV/NEW POSSIBILITIES• Intensified follow–up of pupils with the poorest results in the 10th grade and in Upper Secondary Education

and Training• Courses for teachers from all over the country in how to develop pupils’ basic skills in reading, writing and

numeracy • Teacher networks to orient teachers` classroom practice in a more practical manner for the common core

subjects Norwegian, English and Maths• Pupils who are in danger of dropping out are offered summer jobs or summer school make the transition

between different school levels easier to handle• A common set of indicators has been established offering valid and credible statistics based on numerical

information from all county municipalities• Improved collaboration between the The Follow–Up Service and the Norwegian Labour and Welfare

Administration to help young people beteween the ages 16 – 21 who are neither in school nor at work to return to school or apprenticeship

• Extensive dialogue with the social partners to obtain more apprenticeships both in the private and the public sector

• More relevant and practice oriented vocational education and training (VET), for example via:1. The Certificate of Practice: a 2 year VET education

programme (Lower Level Craft/Journeyman`s Certificate)2. Training Candidature: individually adapted education and

training scheme based on a reduced package of competenceobjectives, often both working place and school based.

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GNIST

• Five year project• Strenghten the quality of teacher education

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Assessment for learning

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