Abstract:

This presentation is an introduction and evaluation of an ambitious governmental program in order to increase pupils learning of basic skills in Norwegian lower secondary schools. Nearly all teacher colleges and universities are involved, as external resources in order to cooperate with schools to promote accomplish the goals for this project during a three semester period – to be continued by active involvement by the school-authorities in the counties which have appointed change agents to extend the period of external support to schools which are in the change program.

Schools have an option when it comes to the field of focus. One should concentrate on either, reading, arithmetic or writing, incorporated in all school subjects, or governance in the classroom.

This presentation is an evaluation of the project from a university perspective. To what degree has the project succeeded when it comes to changing class-room practice? What do the teachers and the school leadership think about the new role of the external support – from accomplishing in-service training courses to active participation in the school development process? What do schools do in order to institutionalize the changes in the classroom?.

The presentation will be based on the responses from 9 of the participating schools.

Keywords:

School change, School university cooperation.