Icelandic education leader advocates for inclusive curriculum to support diverse students

The head of the National Association of School Heads in Iceland, Þorsteinn Sæberg, emphasizes the need to adapt the school curriculum to better support children from diverse backgrounds, in order to prevent their isolation within the education system. According to recent findings from Icelandic youth research, one-third of children with foreign roots feel they do not belong to their school.

Sæberg advocates for a restructuring of the national curriculum to ensure that educational assessments consider the varying needs and strengths of these children. He mentioned that it is unjust to teach complex subjects without accommodating different learning abilities.

Icelandic schools are becoming increasingly diverse, with the latest statistics revealing that in Autumn 2023, there were 7,361 primary school students whose mother tongue was a foreign language, accounting for 15.5% of the student population—a rise of nearly 800 students from the previous year.

Sæberg acknowledges the necessity of addressing this issue to avoid creating divisions within schools. He recalls a past practice of segregating students into slower and faster groups, which he aims to eliminate today. He insists that all students have the right to an inclusive education, tailored to their individual learning stages.

However, he also notes a shortage of specialist educators, highlighting that while it is feasible for teachers to provide differentiated assessments, the current lack of trained professionals is concerning.

This transformation in education is seen as crucial in fostering a supportive environment for all children, ensuring they can thrive regardless of their background.