Instruction for Mathematics and Science in Primary and Lower Secondary Grades
Grade at Which Specialist Teachers for Mathematics and Science are Introduced
Students in Denmark are introduced to mathematics in their first year of schooling (Grade 0 or kindergarten). In first grade, students are taught by specialist teachers in mathematics and science and technology.
The Danish Ministry of Children, Education, and Gender Equality prescribes a minimum number of hours of instruction per subject, but does not specify the number of hours for each topic within a subject. Teachers have the freedom and flexibility to plan and organize instruction at their own discretion.
The Simplified Common Objectives stipulate a minimum of 150 instructional hours per year for mathematics in the fourth grade.32 The objectives recommend a minimum of 90 instructional hours per year for science and technology, but this serves as a guideline rather than a requirement. The number of instructional hours allocated for mathematics and science and technology presents an increase, from 120 hours for mathematics and 60 hours for science and technology in 2011. A standard lesson comprises 45 minutes, but schools may schedule double lessons or other lesson arrangements. Teaching must be organized in accordance with the new Simplified Common Objectives.
Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Laboratories
Municipalities, individual school boards, and teachers share responsibility for organizing instruction at schools. They also share responsibility for assessing the quality and practicality of textbooks and other teaching materials. Denmark does not have a central, objective authority that assesses the quality of instructional materials.
An important part of the new school reform is the requirement for teachers to implement a variety of instructional methods and materials during the school day, which involves teaching in and outside the classroom, providing hands-on instruction and instruction in laboratories.
Use of Technology
Government policy in Denmark prioritizes the use of computer technology. Between 2011 and 2015, a budget of 500 million DKK was allocated for the increase of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) use in schools. This initiative has been extended through the end of 2017.33 Teachers are required to integrate computer technology with instruction in the Folkeskole, and to utilize digital pedagogical and didactic tools to benefit students. The use of technology allows teachers to differentiate instruction.34
The use of ICT in mathematics and science and technology is included in the curriculum objectives for each subject.35,36 At www.emu.dk, teachers may find ideas on how to use ICT in instruction, including how to alternate between smartphone apps, interactive boards, and digital reference work.
Accommodation Policies for Instruction and Testing
The Ministry of Children, Education, and Gender Equality has created a popular portal for the Danish educational system at www.emu.dk, which provides access to relevant educational materials, services, and resources available on the Internet, and communicates knowledge of best practices. The portal provides links to websites with ideas for teachers in all subjects, including mathematics and science and technology. Teachers may search for ideas for concrete projects and alternative instructional methods.37
The Danish government established new goals for inclusion and special needs education in 2012, with the aim of including 96 percent of all students in mainstream Folkeskole education by 2015.38 A survey conducted by Danmarks Statistik found that 6,800 fewer students were taught in special needs schools in 2014–2015 compared to 2010–2011. From 2012–2013 to 2014–2015, there was an increase in the number of students receiving special needs education for more than nine hours per week in mainstream schools. The rate of inclusion was 95.2 percent in the 2014–2015 school year. To reach an inclusion rate of 96 percent, an additional 4,500 students in Denmark will need to transfer from special needs to mainstream schools.