Comprehensive Reform in Upper Secondary Education in Norway: A Retrospective View

Abstract

In August 1994 Norway launched one of the most comprehensive educational reforms ever in upper secondary education. All 16-year-olds who complete their compulsory schooling (age 7-16) now have a statutory right to at least three years of upper secondary education. This may lead either to a vocational certificate giving them formal access to a job or to a matriculation diploma for access to higher education. The young people who started their upper secondary education in 1994-95 met a completely new educational structure of courses and subjects, new curricula, new textbooks and new educational methods. Large groups of teachers have completed comprehensive in-service training. School leaders, the social partners, civil servants on different administrative levels and politicians have put a lot of constructive effort into planning and decision making. Radio, television and other media have been involved in an intense and emotional debate about the implications of the reform. But, in spite of difficulties and setbacks, Reform '94 is now under way.