Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education
In 2012, a huge in-service training initiative was launched, aiming to reach all teachers of mathematics in primary, secondary, and adult education in Sweden with a one year program. The initiative also targets preschool teachers and teachers in preschool classes. Teachers are given time to work collaboratively on modules presented in a Web-based portal. The modules focus on different aspects of mathematics education and comprise different activities (e.g., reading texts, watching classroom films developed specifically for the program, discussing material with colleagues, and trying out ideas in the classroom). Groups of teachers work through the modules together supported by tutors, who are skilled mathematics teachers trained specifically to support the program. The initiative also includes a five-day course for school leaders. Preliminary evaluations show that the initiative has been successful and will have reached the vast majority of Swedish mathematics teachers (approximately 80 percent) by the end of 2016. While the project ends in 2016, the Web-based portal will be maintained beyond the end of the project, and it is clear that teachers will continue to use the material.28
Another program was launched in 2013, providing training in science education research and school development for science teachers from different municipalities. Participating teachers are responsible for establishing local networks, in-service training, and coaching of their science teacher colleagues.29