From spring, those who want to become teachers no longer need to have a 4 in math. Instead, they must have at least 40 credit points and a grade of 3 in Maths and Norwegian.
For those who do not have a high enough score, the current math requirements system is maintained. The government writes in a press release.
– Today too many people teach Norwegian schools lack teacher education and we need more teachers in many places in the country. We are now introducing new and more specific requirements for those who want to become teachers. In this way, we open ourselves to more good candidates. Without excluding anyone because of their grade in one subject, says Minister of Science and Higher Education Ola Borten Moe (Sp).
Coordinated admissions calculations show that some 330 more first-choice teachers this year would qualify for studies under the new program.
Listed by Solberg
It was in 2016 that the government of Erna Solberg (H) introduced the requirements for obtaining a grade of 4 in mathematics to enter the education of an elementary school teacher and professor.
Reactions were strong, especially from teacher organizations and teacher education.
On the other hand, analysis Nordic Institute for Studies of Innovation, Research and Education (NIFU) showed that, following the introduction of the requirements, more student teachers complete the first two years of initial teacher education.
The purpose of lifting this requirement is to convince the government that a high rating of 4 has excluded candidates with a high average rating. However, they did not have a minimum grade of 4 in math.
. Lowers ambitions
According to the government's proposal, the new recruitment conditions will apply from the admission in autumn 2022. The changes will now be released for consultation, with a deadline at the turn of the year.
The Labor Party and the Socialist People's Party are in a minority government but have a majority in the Storting with the support of the Socialist People's Party. The latter page was also critical of the high demands in mathematics.
However, the government cannot count on the support of the former ruling party.
- Requirements have worked as intended. More teachers are now better prepared and equipped for training, fewer fail the math exams, and more teachers complete the course of their studies. In fact, it is the most important thing for students. There will be no better teaching by lowering teacher competency requirements and ambitions, says school policy spokesman Jan Tore Sanner (H).
However, he says he is pleased that the government has not completely removed this requirement.
Source: NTB
Photo: Torstein Bøe / NTB
