Monitoring Student Progress in Reading
Progression from one grade to the next is automatic throughout compulsory education in Norway, and at no point are students required to pass examinations before moving to the next grade. In September 2007, fifth and eighth grade students began participating in national reading tests in Norwegian and English, as well as in mathematics.17 The test results determine whether student skills are consistent with the five basic skills to be attained by the end of Grades 4 and 7. One intention behind the mandatory national reading tests is for student results to serve as a platform for qualitative development at the teacher and school administrator levels, as well as at the regional and national levels. Test results are not used for ranking schools.
In addition to the national reading tests in Grades 5 and 8, all students participate in screening tests developed for Grades 2 and 3. The tests are intended to identify students in need of special attention in reading, and teachers use the results when planning further reading instruction. The results of these tests are not nationally reported.18
Assessment in Grades 1 through 7 does not involve the awarding of grades, which are not introduced until lower secondary school. The grading scale runs from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest grade. Provisions in the syllabi stipulate when assessments are to be administered, with and without grades. Graded assessments include standard grades (i.e., regular classroom assessments) and examination grades. Subject syllabi have provisions for standard grades and for determining which rules apply for examinations in any given subject.
At the end of lower secondary school (Grade 10), students take a written examination in one of three subjects: Norwegian, English, or mathematics. Examinations are prepared centrally, and students are notified of their examination subject only a few days beforehand. For subjects in which students have not taken an examination, final grades are based on teacher assessment throughout the year.