Students with Reading Difficulties
Diagnostic Testing
The first screening tests in reading in Norway were developed in 1993 and 1994 to identify students performing at or below the 20th percentile in reading. In 2000, all schools started using a screening test in reading for Grades 2 and 7 over a four year trial period. Following this period, the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training commissioned the National Center for Reading Education and Research to revise the screening tests for Grades 1, 2, and 3. These new tests comply with the standards set by the 2006 Knowledge Promotion curriculum.15 Municipal educational‑psychological services are available to provide diagnoses for students with severe reading difficulties.
Instruction for Children with Reading Difficulties
Students lagging behind in reading first receive special attention from the classroom teacher. Many schools also have a teacher or a team of teachers engaged in special education who can assist the classroom teacher when necessary. Students who have been diagnosed with dyslexia or who require additional assistance for other reasons are entitled to special education.16 Special education can be organized in the classroom by incorporating an additional specialist teacher in reading and writing, or outside the classroom through individual or small class tutoring sessions.