Instruction for Mathematics and Science in Primary and Lower Secondary Grades
Grade at Which Specialist Teachers for Mathematics and Science are Introduced
Mathematics and science are introduced progressively from Grades 1 to 4, with increasing grade detail and complexity. During the first four years, students are taught mathematics and science, as well as the other subjects, by the same generalist teacher. Eventually, specialist teachers within school clusters can deliver specific lectures and/or aid the main teacher in specific subjects. In Grades 5 to 12, mathematics and science are taught by subject specialist teachers.
Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Laboratories
All instructional materials (e.g., textbooks, practice books, and teaching aids) must be approved and certified by a regulatory agency under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Science. From the list of approved and certified textbooks and education aids, schools have limited autonomy to adopt manuals in each of the curricular areas offered by the school.26 Availability and use of mathematics and science equipment and laboratories in schools is quite heterogeneous. Most schools have science laboratories, but the availability of science and mathematics equipment and computer rooms varies greatly between and within school clusters.
Use of Technology
Using their limited, specific curricular autonomy in both the regular and vocational/professional tracks, schools can tailor specific courses in natural sciences, computer science, and Information and Communications Technology, etc. The new mathematics curriculum expressly recommends that, for basic education, a calculator should be used only for more advanced school grades and in specific situations of problem solving where a large number of calculations is required.27 At the upper secondary level, teaching of some mathematics as well as physics and chemistry subjects requires students to use a graphing calculator. For upper secondary education, the use of a graphing calculator previously approved by the school under strict instructions by the Ministry of Education and Science (e.g., calculators may not have symbolic calculus features and may not be able to connect to the Internet) is mandatory in all mathematics courses offered.28
Accommodation Policies for Instruction and Testing
Special accommodations for instruction and testing are provided for students with special education needs, including mental and physical limitations. Instruction is provided to those students by the main teacher with the aid of a teacher specialized in teaching students with special education needs. Students with special education needs are integrated in regular classes but may benefit from an adapted curriculum, assistive technologies, and personal educational support by specialist teachers. The required adaptations for assessment tests and national examinations also are provided for students with special education needs.29