Icelandic minister pushes for return to numerical grading in schools

Iceland's Minister of Education and Children, Inga Sæland, has outlined plans to reintroduce numerical grading in primary schools, moving away from the current letter-based system. Sæland stated that her intentions have always been clear and that teachers have been engaged in discussions throughout the summer, indicating that the proposed changes are not surprising.

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There has been a lot of discussion with teachers all summer and this is not surprising them. I have always been clear in this direction.

The reform aims to make academic assessments clearer and more standardized. The changes will take effect after the 10th grade next spring, meaning the graduating class of that year will receive numerical grades. However, adjustments for grades 4-7 will be postponed until 2028. Sæland explained the rationale for the immediate change for 10th graders: "We simply do not want to discriminate against more 10th graders based on which school they graduate from or where they live."

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We simply do not want to discriminate against more 10th graders based on which school they graduate from or where they live.

Despite criticism from the heads of the Icelandic Teachers' Union and the Association of Primary School Teachers, who claim teachers were not consulted, Sæland believes the majority of educators support the move. She described the dissenting voices as "a small, critical group." The minister assured that her ministry is committed to providing comprehensive professional support to facilitate the transition, stating that "nothing will be spared" to ensure the change is implemented effectively and without shortcomings.

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This is a small, critical group, I would say.