Reading Instruction in the Primary Grades
Instructional Materials
In principle, each teacher can select his or her own textbooks for classroom instruction, though for practical reasons, and depending on availability of resources, most teachers in the same school use the same textbooks. Because the curriculum does not require or recommend methods or materials for reading instruction, teachers generally can choose a pedagogical approach and the materials as long as students attain the competencies outlined by the curriculum.14 While a number of textbooks (readers) that comply with the revised 2010 curriculum are available for teaching reading, four or five of these textbooks account for almost all that are presently used by reading teachers.
Use of Technology
The ability to use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is one of the five basic skills taught in all subjects. Even so, using ICT tools for beginning reading and writing instruction is not widespread in Norwegian schools. When used, this technology typically supplements more traditional methods of instruction.
Role of Reading Specialists
While most schools have special teachers who work with students with special education needs, these teachers do not necessarily act as reading specialists. Classroom teachers are responsible for teaching reading and writing in primary school. As such, classroom teachers receive instruction and practice in teaching reading as part of their general teacher education, and are expected to handle the instructional needs of most students. Numerous in‑service courses in reading instruction are available for teachers to improve their knowledge and expertise.
Second Language Instruction
Proficiency in the mother tongue is considered essential for the acquisition of a second language. Therefore, students with a foreign language background may choose Norwegian as a second language and will receive instruction in their mother tongue. Students with a foreign language background will receive additional training in Norwegian so they eventually will have sufficient mastery of and can receive instruction in Norwegian. Sami speaking students have the right to receive all primary and lower secondary education in Sami. A separate curriculum has been designed for the Sami Knowledge Promotion reform, which is used in all Sami administrative districts.