Critics say government education plan lacks clear action

Iceland’s government has proposed raising the share of pupils with basic reading comprehension skills at the end of compulsory schooling from 56% to 65% over the next four years. But the draft plan lacks clear measures and incentives to address problems in the education system, mbl.is reported.

The proposal is the state’s third action plan for education and sets key targets for the first time. The national education policy has six priorities through 2030, including improving teaching quality, providing varied and high-quality learning materials, strengthening science and STEM education, and preventing school avoidance.

Jón Pétur Zimsen, a member of parliament’s General and Education Committee and a former school principal, said the goals were broadly worthwhile but the plan resembled earlier education reports and strategies that had not produced adequate results. He questioned how the government would attract stronger candidates to teacher education and support teachers already working in schools, and said the plan should consider reforming teacher training.

Zimsen also said the plan did not include the overhaul he believes the education system needs, including a new national curriculum for compulsory schools. The current curriculum, introduced in 2013, has not demonstrated adequate results, he said.