# Norwegian education system reform debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/norwegian-education-system-reform-debate > Updated: 2026-09-21T05:00:16.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 4. Norway is experiencing a decline in basic educational proficiency, particularly in reading and mathematics. Conservative Party leader Ine Eriksen Søreide has characterized the state of primary education as ‘very serious,’ noting that rapid digitalization and social media have impacted student concentration. Søreide has proposed reforms including a ‘reading reform’ prioritizing physical books, handwriting, and pen-and-paper exams. In response to declining PISA results, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Education Minister Kari Nessa Nordtun have signaled a shift toward prioritizing core competencies. The government has announced a major overhaul, including mandatory small-group instruction for grades 1 and 2, an emphasis on play and physical activity, and a potential reduction in formal school hours to align with kindergarten transitions. To ensure quality, the government plans to reinstate a state approval system for teaching materials. These reforms have met with significant pushback. The Norwegian Lectors' Association warned that proposed changes to teacher training frameworks might ‘weaken academic depth and national quality standards.’ While labor organizations like Tekna and the Norwegian Teachers' Union raised concerns regarding university security guidelines and academic freedom, Skolenes landsforbund criticized the government’s approach, calling for stable, long-term political agreements rather than ‘temporary fixes.’ ## Claims - The Norwegian government is launching measures to address declining PISA scores. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Reading and math skills among Norwegian 15-year-olds have fallen significantly since 2022. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The government will mandate small-group instruction for students in grades 1 and 2. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The state approval system for teaching materials, removed in 2000, will be reintroduced. (corroborated by 2 sources) - New curricula for Norwegian will place more emphasis on reading and writing. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Teacher education programs will be changed with clearer requirements in new framework plans. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Norway announces major school reforms to address declining PISA scores Norway is launching major education reforms, including small-group teaching and increased play for young students, to combat declining PISA scores amid criticism from educators and unions. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/norway-announces-school-reforms-to-address-declining-pisa-scores ### 2026-09-16: Norway considers increased state control of schools Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has proposed increased state governance of Norwegian schools following PISA results, sparking debate among educators over the causes of declining student performance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/norway-considers-increased-state-control-of-schools ### 2026-09-12: Norway education crisis prompts calls for reform and state funding Norway faces an education crisis as PISA results show declining literacy and math skills. Leaders propose reading reforms, STEM boosts, and a shift toward state-funded school financing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/norway-education-crisis-prompts-calls-for-reform-and-state-funding ### 2026-08-24: Conservative leader Søreide proposes school reforms in Norway Conservative leader Ine Eriksen Søreide is calling for a return to physical books and pen-and-paper exams in Norway to combat declining reading and math skills and the effects of rapid digitalization. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conservative-leader-sreide-proposes-school-reforms-in-norway --- Cite as: Norwegian education system reform debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/norwegian-education-system-reform-debate