Norway unveils sweeping school reforms to tackle lagging PISA scores

Following disappointing PISA outcomes that placed Norway under the OECD average, the government outlined a comprehensive education overhaul. The initiative calls for compulsory small-group teaching in grades 1 and 2 to address early learning gaps, and a more active school day that balances play with instruction. A new state-run review of teaching materials will be introduced, backed by at least 1 billion kroner to increase physical textbook use.

Curriculum guidelines will be clarified, with national subject content lists and a restriction on digital devices in grades 1-4. Teacher-training programmes will be revised to emphasize classroom management, literacy, numeracy and play-based learning, while mobile phones and unsupervised use of school devices will be prohibited. The reforms are subject to a public consultation and, if adopted, will start in the upcoming academic year.