Sweden. Educational Data.

Overview & Synopsis

Today Sweden has a highly developed comprehensive system of public elementary and secondary schools, along with universities and other institutions of higher education. Most of the actual administration of educational matters is the responsibility of three appointed national government agencies operating under the overall jurisdiction of the Minister of Education and Ecclesiastical Affairs --National Board of Education, Board of Institutes of Technology, Office of the Chancellor of Universities. Most types of schools are operated by local school committees. Financing of education comes from the National Government and the Municipalities. Compulsory schooling begins at the age of seven and lasts for seven years. Because a number of types of older secondary schools exist, there are several paths open to the student --upper secondary schools, vocational schools, or art and music schools. Sweden has four universities, two higher technological institutions, and fifteen special institutions of higher education. As far as teacher education is concerned, students usually begin teacher training midway through secondary school. Folk High Schools are the chief means of carrying on adult education activities. Special education is also an integral part of the educational system. (SBE)