Major Trends in Norwegian Education 1974-76: National Report.

Overview & Synopsis

Norway's educational policy is determined by the Ministry of Church and Education, although advisory councils extend to all levels including the regional. Recent legislation passed by the Storting, the country's national assembly, characterizes educational trends. The Preschool Act calls for the expansion of facilities to provide for day care and kindergarten children. The Revised Primary School Act places emphasis on the integration of all students, including the physically and psychologically handicapped, into the compulsory nine year school. Innovation in Further Education Schools is guided by the Upper Secondary Education Act. Beyond the compulsory level three tracts may be followed: general education, vocational education, or a combination of the two. Some courses offered are maritime and fishery, trade and industry, agriculture, and social sciences and health. Education beyond this level extends to regional colleges, which have diminished the pressure on universities by offering shorter college courses adjusted to the needs of society. The first Adult Education Act in 1977 commits Norway to the principle of life-long learning. Experiments for external education are focused on finding occupations in trade and industry for those youth who are "misfits" in the educational system. Allocations for research are granted through the Ministry of Education and the National Research Council. Problems within the educational system include financial ones as well as the public's lack of understanding of the government's educational policy. (KC)