Áslaug Arna proposes special reception schools for immigrant children in Iceland

Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Iceland’s Minister of Higher Education, Industry, and Innovation, has proposed the establishment of special reception schools for children from immigrant backgrounds. In an opinion piece published in a national newspaper, she highlighted that nearly 30% of students in Icelandic primary schools have foreign origins, presenting challenges for teachers and affecting traditional school operations.

The proposed reception schools would serve as an essential first step for these children, enabling them to be better prepared for integration into mainstream primary education. The focus in these schools would be on standardized language instruction and competency assessments.

Áslaug Arna also noted that the academic performance of Icelandic children is below the standards set by other Nordic countries and OECD metrics across all subjects. She pointed out that the concept of such reception schools is already recognized in Norway, and similar proposals have been put forth by members of the Independence Party in Iceland’s parliament.

This move reflects an increasing need to coordinate nationwide efforts for the effective integration of children from foreign backgrounds, ensuring they receive the support needed in their educational journey.