After the experiment: Ten schools continue with grades in year four

Since 2017, an experimental activity has been ongoing where schools have tried to give previous grades.

However, interest has been weak.

The idea was that 100 schools across the country would be included in the trial, but only 15 schools signed up to the National Agency for Education as willing to test, SVT reported this spring.

Then the Riksdag also voted through an amendment to the law that makes it possible to introduce grades in year 4. The law means that a principal can decide whether their particular school should introduce grades, which in that case applies from the autumn term 2021.

Åsa Fahlén, chairwoman of the National Union of Teachers, considered that the decision had been made on a narrow basis.

- It is unfortunate that the school is treated in that way, she said after the Riksdag decision.

"Both positive and negative"

On Wednesday, the National Agency for Education presented its first report on the results of experiments with previous grades.

However, the experiment is very limited.

Grades from year 4 have led to changes in the experimental schools' working methods, but in general they have not been so thorough.

The students are felt to have been affected both positively and negatively by receiving grades from year 4 ”, the Solverket states in the report.

Ten schools continue

The trial has been ongoing until the spring term 2021 and a total of 15 schools have participated.

Since participation in has been voluntary and few schools have participated "the results can not be generalized and can be said to apply to other schools" states the National Agency for Education.

- Ten of the pilot schools have reported to the National Agency for Education that they continue to give grades from year 4, says Daniela Lundin, teaching advisor at the National Agency for Education.

She adds that principals who are considering introducing grades should study the National Agency for Education's report.

- Before making such a decision, the school can benefit from the experimental schools' experiences and what we see in the evaluation.