A comparability between U.S. and Norwegian training techniques

My spouse and I are touring in Norway this week, so I don’t have time for a full-fledged put up, however I supply this description of the Norwegian instructional system with out extra remark, aside from to notice what’s potential when a rich nation makes investing in training for all with out layering in competitors amongst elites.

Earlier than Education Begins

Start to 1 yr previous: 18 months of full-pay parental go away the place every father or mother should take no less than six of these months, with the third six months used on the mother and father’ discretion.

Ages 1 to six: Kindergarten

Entry to kindergarten care is common and free, and kindergartens are operated on six core values.

1. Youngsters and childhood: “Kindergartens shall respect and safeguard the intrinsic worth of childhood. Serving to to make sure that all kindergarten youngsters can take pleasure in a great childhood with well-being, friendships and play is crucial.”

2. Democracy: “Rising range and individualization calls for an perceive of democracy, respect for our variations and optimistic attitudes so as to have the ability to dwell collectively.”
3. Range and mutual respect: “Kindergartens shall promote respect for human dignity by highlighting, valuing and selling range and mutual respect.”
4. Fairness and equality: “Kindergartens shall promote fairness and equality no matter gender, useful capability, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, ethnicity, tradition, social standing, language, and world view.”

5. Sustainable growth: “The youngsters shall study to take care of themselves, one another and nature.”
6. Life abilities and well being: “Kindergartens shall promote good well being, play a preventative function and assist even out social inequalities.”

Norwegian youngsters routinely spend 75 p.c of their kindergarten days outdoors.

Major and Secondary Training: Grades 1–13

In major training, no grades are given. Grades are first acquired in necessary topics beginning within the Norwegian model of center faculty, however no earlier.

For higher secondary training (basically our highschool) college students select between normal research (school prep) or a vocational monitor. Basic research contains topics like artwork and design, media and communications, performing arts, and bodily training in addition to what we’d take into account a liberal arts diploma.

Vocational applications embody engineering, laptop science, well being care, development, agriculture, tourism, meals service, IT, hairdressing, inside design and tourism.

After highschool, all Norwegians are required to do a yr of service—that is primarily however not solely army service.

Postsecondary Training

A college bachelor’s diploma is three years, after which you can begin a grasp’s or Ph.D. program if you want. There are applications for skilled examine in issues like pharmacy, regulation, fisheries science and educating, which take an extra two years after the bachelor’s.

All establishments are tuition-free and college students are eligible for extra dwelling subsidies, which begin within the type of loans however embody automated provisions for partial (60 p.c) forgiveness if standards round course completion are met.

Lifelong Studying

As soon as working, all Norwegians have the precise to full or partial go away from their jobs “as much as three years” to pursue extra vocational coaching that doesn’t come coupled with a level.

Excessive poverty is “virtually unheard-of” in Norway.

Sources:

Basic details about training in Norway

Framework plans for okayindergarten