Reading-writing-arithmetic initiative
Support for children who are falling behind in their school work must improve. Because of this, the Government decided on 4 September 2008 to introduce a study grant to strengthen efforts to improve the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic, focusing on years 1-3.
Schoolchildren reading.
The main task of schools is to give all pupils the skills and knowledge they need in order to succeed in their future studies and working life. No one should fall behind without teachers noticing. By carrying out regular knowledge tests, schools will be able to follow up what pupils have learned. Pupils who have difficulties achieving the goals must be identified as early as possible.
Unfortunately, many pupils leave compulsory school without achieving a pass grade in Swedish and mathematics. Good basic skills are essential for all other subjects. If a pupil has not learned to read, write and do arithmetic properly during the first school years, he or she can have difficulties with other subjects. Many pupils fall behind and run a greater risk in future years of failing at school.
On 4 September 2008, the Government decided on a reading-writing-arithmetic initiative so that more pupils can achieve the knowledge goals. Pupils in years 1-3 who are at risk of failing to achieve the goals of the school system are the priority group. These pupils are to get extra support and help. In addition, the initiative can be targeted to a more limited extent at older pupils in particular need of help. This may involve extra staff, skills enhancement initiatives, other kinds of similar support and development initiatives and the procurement of teaching aids.
The reading-writing-arithmetic initiative is a targeted government grant to the municipalities. The initiative comprises a total of SEK 1.5 billion during the years 2008-2012.
The purpose of this grant is to encourage municipalities and schools to strengthen work on pupils' basic skills. The government grant is voluntary and those municipalities that wish to take part must comply with the Government's terms. The National Agency for Education will be tasked with administering and distributing the grant.
About the reading-writing-arithmetic initiative:
- The aim is for more pupils to attain the school system's knowledge goals.
- The priority group is pupils in years 1-3 who risk failing to attain the goals.
- A targeted government grant to the entities responsible for schools will be introduced.
- The government grant is to be used for extra support and help.
- Examples of support and assistance are extra staff, skills enhancement initiatives, other kinds of similar support and development initiatives and the procurement of teaching aids.
- A total of SEK 1.5 billion is being invested during the years 2008-2012.
