Completed project

Evaluation of the competence pledge for special education and inclusive practice

Oppdragsgiver
Utdanningsdirektoratet

Time period
01.10.2021 - 31.12.2025

Forskere
Therese Marie Andrews
Forsker I

Trond Bliksvaer
RESEARCHER I

Esben Olesen
Researcher II, temporary position

Stian Bragtvedt
Researcher II

Partners
Nordic Institute for Studies of Innovation, Research and Education (NIFU)

Nordland Research Institute In collaboration with NTNU Social Research and NIFU, will evaluate the "Competence Boost for Special Education and Inclusive Practice", a new initiative for leaders and employees in kindergartens, schools and the PP service. 

The competence boost for special education and inclusive practice is based on Report to the Storting 6 (2019-2020) on early intervention and inclusive communities in kindergartens, schools and after-school care. Through the competence boost, actors who are closest to the children - employees in kindergartens and schools, kindergarten and school owners, employees in the PP service and other interdisciplinary services in the municipalities and county authorities, will gain access to competence that prevents exclusion, identify challenges and provide an inclusive and adapted educational offer to everyone, including those who need special adaptation. The intention is that such competence close to children will benefit the children, but also that challenges in the learning environment and among individual children can be solved locally so that the need for specialized services from Statped (state special educational support services) is reduced so that the tasks of Statped become clearer and more focused for children with lasting and extensive needs.

The purpose of the evaluation is to examine the organization, development and goal achievement of the competence improvement for special education and inclusive practice in municipalities and county authorities. Furthermore, through the evaluation, we will look at how practice in kindergartens, schools and municipalities is affected by the competence improvement and by the changes in Statped's service offerings. The evaluation will see whether the initiative contributes to increased competence for the target groups, and whether this competence comes closer to the children and students. Through the findings of the evaluation, the competence improvement will be able to be adjusted, which involves regular data collection, analysis, dialogue with the client and reporting up to 2025, as well as developing a relevant knowledge base for the permanent scheme that comes into force from 2025.

More information

Directorate of Education: Competence boost for special education and inclusive practice