National Reforms in School Education

2019

National agreement on literacy, state of play 2019

Following the issuing of a White Paper on education reforms and a National Agreement on literacy as a part of an action accompanying the reform, the government decided in 2019 to continue their efforts to unite the strength of all stakeholders on the mission to improve literacy and reading skills of compulsory students. The original goal set was to have at least 90 percent of compulsory school students in each municipality, meeting the minimum reading standards. The ministry and the Directorate of Education continue efforts in 2018 to contribute to consultation, support, literacy screening and increased cooperation with parents toward meeting this goal.

The Directorate of Education is responsible for the project.  As the action reform has reached mid-term, special literacy consultants continue to support the learning community and local schools, organising courses and guidance to school staff. The long-term goal is that the National Agreement will be a permanent part of general education in Iceland.

2018

No significant reforms were made.

2017

In 2017 a new regulation was set on the issue of instruction time for upper secondary schools.In 2016 and again in December 2017, changes to standardized tests were implemented:

Amendments to the National Curriculum Guide

2019 

No significant reforms were made. 

2018

No significant reforms were made.

2017

New implementation guidelines were issued for the execution of standardised examination for the compulsory school level.