Students struggle with failing grades in Swedish as second language in Sweden

A significant number of elementary school students are failing to meet the grading requirements in Swedish, with those studying Swedish as a second language (SVA) particularly struggling. Experts have pointed out the alarming lack of progress, highlighting that despite widespread awareness of the issues, little action has been taken. Recent statistics indicate that 26% of ninth-grade students received failing grades in SVA, eliminating their eligibility for high school admission. The primary concern lies in reading comprehension, with 40% of students unable to pass the reading section last year.

The government has emphasized the importance of the Swedish language for integration, yet the school minister has been unable to specify targeted measures for SVA students. Experts argue that a key challenge is the insufficient understanding of second language acquisition among educators. Additionally, about half of the teachers lack the necessary qualifications, even as the number of SVA students has surged by 77% over the past decade.

In one Stockholm school, the majority of students are enrolled in SVA, and a ninth grader expressed surprise at the national failure rates. She suggested that such statistics could negatively impact students’ confidence regarding their academic performance.

There are calls from educational authorities for increased funding to enhance teaching quality, stressing that effective education requires adequate resources. Without timely intervention, there is a risk that a large portion of students could be ushered into social exclusion. The SVA program serves various groups, including those who speak other native languages and immigrants, aiming to provide tailored instruction to support their learning needs.