Glossary
A guide to 206 Swedish school metrics and concepts with English explanations.
Merit value year 9 (Meritvärde) The sum of a student's 16 best grades in year 9, max 320 points (340 with modern languages). The national average is around 225–230. Read definition → Staff turnover (Personalomsättning) The proportion of staff replaced during a year. High staff turnover may indicate instability, recruitment difficulties or a poor working environment. Read definition → Stability index — staff (Stabilitetsindex) A composite measure of how stable the staff is at a school or in a municipality, based on changes in teacher qualifications and teacher density over time. Read definition → Teacher qualifications (Lärarbehörighet) The proportion of teachers with a teaching licence and qualification in the subjects they teach. Read definition → Student/teacher ratio (Elev/lärare-kvot) Number of students per full-time equivalent teacher. The national average is around 12. Read definition → Eligibility for vocational programmes (Behörighet YR) The proportion of year 9 students who qualify for upper secondary vocational programmes. The national average is around 85–87%. Read definition → School types in Sweden (Skolformer) Compulsory school, upper secondary, preschool class, after-school centre and other school types — what they mean. Read definition → School provider (Huvudman) The organisation that runs the school — a municipality, foundation or limited company. Read definition → Corporate group (Koncern) A group of companies with a common parent company that runs independent schools. Read definition → Cost per student (Kostnad per elev) The municipality's total cost for compulsory school per student per year. Ranges from under SEK 100,000 to over SEK 200,000. Read definition → National test results (Nationella prov) The proportion of students with test grades A–B on national tests in year 9. An external checkpoint beyond teacher-awarded grades. Read definition → School desert (Skolöken) Municipalities with very few or no compulsory schools. Skolkoll defines school deserts as municipalities with at most 2 active compulsory schools. Read definition → SALSA — Skolverket's tool for local correlation analysis A statistical model that compares schools' results with what is expected given the student composition. Read definition → Model-predicted merit value (Modellberäknat meritvärde) The merit value that the SALSA model predicts a school should achieve, given the students' backgrounds. Read definition → Residual (Avvikelse) The difference between a school's actual merit value and the model-predicted value — positive = better than expected. Read definition → DeSO area (Demografiska statistikområden) Statistics Sweden's division of Sweden into approx. 6,000 small areas. Used for socioeconomic analysis on Skolkoll. Read definition → Grading scale A–F (Betygsskalan) The six-level grading scale used in compulsory and upper secondary school. A is the highest grade, F means not passed. Read definition → Grade points (Betygspoäng) The numerical value that each grade level corresponds to when calculating merit value. Read definition → Grade inflation (Betygsinflation) The phenomenon of grades rising over time without a corresponding increase in knowledge. Particularly noted in the Swedish school system. Read definition → PISA International assessment of 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics and science, organised by the OECD. Read definition → PIRLS International reading comprehension test for year 4 students, conducted by IEA every five years. Read definition → TIMSS International assessment in mathematics and science for year 4 and year 8 students, conducted by IEA. Read definition → Eligibility for academic programmes (Behörighet HF) The proportion of year 9 students with passing grades in at least 12 subjects, including Swedish, English and Mathematics. Read definition → Completion rate — upper secondary (Genomströmning) The proportion of upper secondary students who graduate within three years. An important quality measure for upper secondary schools. Read definition → Equitable assessment (Likvärdig bedömning) The principle that grades should be awarded on the same basis regardless of which school the student attends. Read definition → Knowledge requirements (Kunskapskrav) The requirements describing what a student must know for each grade level in each subject, established in the curriculum. Read definition → Compulsory school (Grundskola) The compulsory school form for children aged 6–16, from preschool class to year 9. Read definition → Upper secondary school (Gymnasieskola) Voluntary three-year education after compulsory school with 18 national programmes — vocational or academic. Read definition → Preschool class (Förskoleklass) Compulsory for six-year-olds since 2018. A bridge between preschool and compulsory school. Read definition → After-school centre (Fritidshem) Educational activities outside school hours for students aged 6–13. Complements compulsory school instruction. Read definition → After-school pedagogue (Fritidspedagog) Staff in after-school centres with a higher education degree in pedagogy. Now officially called primary school teacher specialising in after-school centres. Read definition → Open leisure activities (Öppen fritidsverksamhet) Activities for students aged 10–13 as an alternative to after-school centres. No enrolment required. Read definition → Adapted compulsory school (Anpassad grundskola) Compulsory school adapted for students with intellectual disabilities. Formerly called grundsärskola. Read definition → Adapted upper secondary school (Anpassad gymnasieskola) Upper secondary school for students with intellectual disabilities. Formerly called gymnasiesärskola. Read definition → Special school (Specialskola) State schools for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have severe speech and language disorders. Run by SPSM. Read definition → Sami school (Sameskola) Compulsory school with a Sami profile for years 1–6 in northern Sweden. Run by the Sami School Board. Read definition → SFI — Swedish for Immigrants (Svenska för invandrare) Free Swedish language instruction for adults who lack basic knowledge of Swedish. Part of municipal adult education. Read definition → Komvux — municipal adult education (Kommunal vuxenutbildning) Education at compulsory and upper secondary level for adults. Includes SFI and vocational adult education. Read definition → Yrkesvux (vocational adult education) Vocational training programmes within municipal adult education (komvux), funded by extra government grants and targeting occupations with labour shortages. Read definition → Introductory programmes (Introduktionsprogram, IM) Upper-secondary programmes for students who lack eligibility for national programmes. Five variants exist. Read definition → Language introduction (Språkintroduktion) An introductory programme at upper-secondary level for newly arrived students who need to learn Swedish. Read definition → Upper-secondary diploma (Gymnasieexamen) The diploma issued when a student completes a national upper-secondary programme. Required for higher education or certain careers. Read definition → Skolverket (National Agency for Education) Sweden's central administrative authority for schools. Responsible for curricula, statistics, national tests, and teacher certification. Read definition → Skolinspektionen (Schools Inspectorate) The supervisory authority that inspects quality in Swedish schools. Can shut down schools that do not meet requirements. Read definition → SKR — Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions Employer and interest organisation for municipalities and regions. Operates Kolada and participates in education policy. Read definition → Lärarförbundet (Swedish Teachers' Union) Trade union for teachers in preschool, compulsory school, after-school care, and upper-secondary school. Merged into Sveriges Lärare in 2023. Read definition → Lärarnas Riksförbund (National Union of Teachers) Trade union for certified teachers and career counsellors. Merged into Sveriges Lärare in 2023. Read definition → Sveriges Lärare (Swedish Teachers) New trade union formed in 2023 through the merger of Lärarförbundet and Lärarnas Riksförbund. Read definition → SPSM — National Agency for Special Needs Education and Schools Government agency that runs special-needs schools and provides special-educational support to schools nationwide. Read definition → UKÄ — Swedish Higher Education Authority Government agency that reviews the quality of higher education, including teacher training programmes. Read definition → SIRIS Skolverket's information system for school results. Publishes merit values, national test results, and other statistics. Read definition → Kolada Database of key indicators for municipalities and regions, operated by RKA. An important source of school statistics at the municipal level. Read definition → School Unit Register (Skolenhetsregistret) Skolverket's register of all active school units in Sweden, with basic information about each school. Read definition → SCB — Statistics Sweden Sweden's national statistics agency. Produces DeSO data, education statistics, and demographic data used in school analyses. Read definition → Compulsory schooling (Skolplikt) All children residing in Sweden are subject to compulsory schooling from preschool class through year 9, typically ages 6–16. Read definition → Free school choice (Fritt skolval) The right to choose a school regardless of where you live. Introduced in 1992 and a cornerstone of the Swedish school system. Read definition → School voucher (Skolpeng) The amount the municipality pays per pupil to the school the pupil attends. The funding follows the pupil, regardless of whether the school is municipal or independent. Read definition → Government grants (Statsbidrag) Funding the state distributes to municipalities and schools in addition to regular financing. Often targeted at specific initiatives. Read definition → School inspection (Tillsyn) Skolinspektionen's review of whether schools comply with laws and regulations. Can lead to injunctions or closure. Read definition → The Education Act (Skollagen) The law that governs all education in Sweden, from preschool to adult education. Enacted in 2010. Read definition → Curriculum (Läroplan) The governing document that describes the school's mission, goals, and content. Current curricula are Lgr22 and Lgy11. Read definition → Syllabus (Kursplan) Part of the curriculum that describes the purpose, core content, and grading criteria for an individual subject. Read definition → Special support (Särskilt stöd) Interventions beyond regular instruction for students at risk of not meeting goals. Requires an investigation and an action programme. Read definition → Additional adjustments (Extra anpassningar) Support within regular instruction that does not require a formal decision. The first step before special support. Read definition → Action programme (Åtgärdsprogram) A formal document describing the support interventions a student receiving special support will get. Decided by the principal. Read definition → Student health services (Elevhälsa) Collective term for the school's medical, psychological, psychosocial, and special-educational services. Read definition → Special-needs educator (Specialpedagog) An educator with specialist training who assesses and supports students with special needs. Read definition → Special teacher (Speciallärare) A teacher with specialist training who teaches students with special needs in reading, writing, or mathematics. Read definition → Formative assessment (Formativ bedömning) Assessment aimed at supporting the student's learning through feedback during ongoing instruction. Read definition → Summative assessment (Summativ bedömning) Assessment that summarises the student's knowledge at a given point in time, such as grades or final exams. Read definition → Inclusion (Inkludering) The principle that all students, regardless of needs, should be taught in the regular classroom with adapted support. Read definition → Differentiated instruction (Differentierad undervisning) Adapting instruction to students' varying prior knowledge, interests, and learning styles within the same class. Read definition → Newly arrived students (Nyanlända elever) Students who have recently immigrated to Sweden and begun their schooling. Entitled to assessment and special support. Read definition → Study guidance in the mother tongue (Studiehandledning på modersmålet) A support measure where a multilingual tutor explains subject content in the student's mother tongue alongside regular instruction. Read definition → Mother tongue instruction (Modersmålsundervisning) Instruction in the student's mother tongue, offered when at least one guardian has a native language other than Swedish. Read definition → Swedish as a second language (Svenska som andraspråk, SVA) A subject for students whose mother tongue is not Swedish. Instruction is adapted to second-language acquisition conditions. Read definition → Equity grant (Likvärdighetsbidraget) A government grant targeted at schools with the greatest challenges, based on students' socio-economic background. Read definition → Municipality (Kommun) Sweden has 290 municipalities responsible for providing schooling to all children and young people residing in the municipality. Read definition → School unit (Skolenhet) An organisational unit led by a principal. A school in Skolverket's terminology. Read definition → Principal (Rektor) The school's pedagogical leader, responsible for teaching quality, staff, and work environment. Read definition → Lead teacher (Förstelärare) A career position for teachers with special responsibility for pedagogical development. Funded through government grants. Read definition → Systematic quality assurance (Systematiskt kvalitetsarbete) The school's legally mandated process of planning, monitoring, and developing its operations based on results and analysis. Read definition → Independent school (Fristående skola / friskola) A school with an independent provider — a limited company, foundation, or association. Funded by the school voucher from the municipality. Read definition → Proximity principle (Närhetsprincipen) A selection rule for municipal schools that gives priority to students who live close to the school. Read definition → Waiting-list time (Kötid) A selection criterion used by some independent schools. The longer a student has been on the waiting list, the higher the priority. Read definition → School segregation (Skolsegregation) The sorting of students between schools based on socio-economic background, migration background, or parents' education level. Read definition → Compensatory mission (Kompensatoriskt uppdrag) The school's mission to equalise differences arising from students' socio-economic backgrounds. Read definition → Higher education eligibility (Högskolebehörighet) Eligibility to apply to universities and university colleges. Requires an upper-secondary diploma and specific subject grades. Read definition → Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (Högskoleprovet) A standardised aptitude test that provides an alternative merit score for university admission. Read definition → Teacher certification (Lärarlegitimation) Required to teach and assign grades in Swedish schools. Issued by the National Agency for Education after an approved teacher education. Read definition → Teacher education (Lärarutbildning) University education leading to a teaching degree. Comes in four variants depending on school form and subjects. Read definition → Holiday school (Lovskola) Instruction during school holidays for pupils at risk of not qualifying. Municipalities receive government grants for holiday school. Read definition → School transport (Skolskjuts) The municipality's obligation to arrange free transport to school for pupils with long or hazardous routes. Read definition → School meals (Skolmat) All pupils in compulsory and upper secondary school are entitled to free school meals. Sweden is unique in this regard. Read definition → Parent-teacher conference (Utvecklingssamtal) A mandatory meeting between teacher, pupil, and parent/guardian at least once per term about the pupil's development. Read definition → Individual development plan (IUP) A written summary of a pupil's academic progress and planned support measures. Drawn up in year levels without grades. Read definition → Subject timetable (Timplan) The guaranteed teaching hours per subject in compulsory school, set by the government. Read definition → Grades from year 6 (Betyg från årskurs 6) Since 2012, grades are given from year 6 in compulsory school. Previously, grades were first given in year 8. Read definition → Compulsory schooling vs compulsory education (Läroplikt vs skolplikt) In Sweden, there is compulsory schooling (obligation to attend school), not compulsory education (obligation to achieve a certain level of learning). Read definition → School rankings (Skolranking) Lists that rank schools by performance measures such as merit score. Can be misleading without considering pupil composition. Read definition → Open comparisons (Öppna jämförelser) SALAR's annual report comparing municipal school results with key indicators and rankings. Read definition → The School Survey (Skolenkäten) The Schools Inspectorate's survey sent to pupils, parents, and staff about safety, classroom order, and teaching. Read definition → Safety in school (Trygghet) Pupils' perceived sense of security and well-being at school. Measured through the School Survey and schools' own surveys. Read definition → Classroom order (Studiero) A calm and orderly teaching environment where pupils can concentrate. A challenge in many Swedish schools. Read definition → Bullying and degrading treatment (Mobbning) Repeated negative treatment of a pupil. The school is legally obliged to investigate and take action. Read definition → Disciplinary measures (Disciplinära åtgärder) Measures that teachers and principals can take to maintain order, such as removal from class or relocation. Read definition → The Discrimination Act (Diskrimineringslagen) Law prohibiting discrimination in schools on grounds of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, and more. Read definition → BEO — Child and School Student Representative A function within the Schools Inspectorate that represents pupils who have been subjected to degrading treatment. Read definition → Preparatory class (Förberedelseklass) A special teaching group for newly arrived pupils who need intensive Swedish language instruction. Read definition → School choice process (Skolvalet) The process where families apply to and choose a school. Municipalities administer the school choice in different ways. Read definition → Municipalisation (Kommunaliseringen) The 1991 reform that transferred responsibility for schools from the state to the municipalities. One of the most debated education reforms. Read definition → The free school reform (Friskolereformen) The 1992 reform that granted the right to start independent schools with public funding. Introduced free school choice. Read definition → Profit ban (Vinstförbud) The political proposal to limit or prohibit profit-taking from publicly funded school operations. Read definition → Profile school (Profilskola) A school with a special pedagogical focus, such as Montessori, Waldorf, music, or sports. Read definition → Resource school (Resursskola) A school or programme for pupils with extensive support needs, e.g. neurodevelopmental conditions. Read definition → NPF — Neurodevelopmental conditions Umbrella term for ADHD, autism, Tourette's, and similar conditions that affect cognition and behaviour. Read definition → School absenteeism (Skolfrånvaro) Problematic absence from school, often linked to mental health issues, bullying, or NPF. A growing problem. Read definition → External grading (Central rättning) A pilot programme where national tests are graded by an external teacher rather than the pupil's own teacher. Read definition → Digitalisation in schools The use of digital tools and learning materials in teaching. A question of both opportunities and risks. Read definition → Teaching materials (Läromedel) Books, digital resources, and other materials used in teaching. Quality varies considerably. Read definition → Absence reporting (Frånvarorapportering) The school's system for registering and notifying guardians about pupils' absences, both authorised and unauthorised. Read definition → Guaranteed teaching time (Garanterad undervisningstid) The minimum teaching time every pupil is entitled to according to the subject timetable. Often discussed in relation to cancelled lessons. Read definition → Language choice (Språkval) The choice of a third language (French, Spanish, German, etc.) from year 6. Gives a 17th grade in the merit score. Read definition → Practice-based research (Praxisnära forskning) Research conducted close to school practice, often in collaboration between researchers and practising teachers. Read definition → Collegial learning (Kollegialt lärande) Structured collaboration among teachers to develop teaching through joint reflection and experience sharing. Read definition → Pupil funding model (Elevpengsmodell) The municipality's model for allocating resources to schools. Can be equal per pupil or needs-based. Read definition → RegLab A forum for learning about regional development where regions share knowledge about skills supply, among other things. Read definition → The principle of public access (Offentlighetsprincipen) The principle that documents in municipal schools are public. Does not fully apply to independent schools. Read definition → Quality report (Kvalitetsrapport) A school's or municipality's annual report of results, analysis, and measures within the systematic quality work. Read definition → Home municipality (Hemkommun) The municipality where the pupil is registered. The home municipality is responsible for compulsory schooling and pays the school voucher. Read definition → Basic amount and supplementary amount (Grundbelopp och tilläggsbelopp) The basic amount is the school voucher each pupil generates. The supplementary amount is extra funding for pupils with extensive support needs. Read definition → Newly arrived pupils' rights (Nyanlända elevers rättigheter) Newly arrived pupils are entitled to assessment, prioritised Swedish instruction, study guidance in their mother tongue, and an adapted study plan. Read definition → Upper secondary credits (Gymnasiepoäng) Unit of measurement for courses in upper secondary school. A course is worth 50–200 credits. A total of 2,500 credits is required. Read definition → APL — Workplace-based learning Internship periods on vocational programmes where the pupil learns at a real workplace. At least 15 weeks during upper secondary. Read definition → Upper secondary thesis (Gymnasiearbete) A final project in upper secondary school demonstrating that the pupil can apply the programme's knowledge. Required for graduation. Read definition → Popular education (Folkbildning) Voluntary education through folk high schools and study associations, outside the formal education system. Read definition → Folk high school (Folkhögskola) An educational institution offering courses at compulsory and upper secondary level as well as specialised courses. Often provides higher education eligibility. Read definition → YH — Higher vocational education (Yrkeshögskola) Post-secondary vocational education closely linked to the labour market. The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education determines the programme offering. Read definition → Socioeconomic background Family education level, income, and social position. The strongest predictor of pupils' school results. Read definition → Education level (Utbildningsnivå) The population's formal education level — an important background variable for understanding school results. Read definition → The School Commission (Skolkommissionen) A government inquiry (2015–2017) that proposed measures to increase equity and raise results in Swedish schools. Read definition → OECD and education International organisation behind the PISA survey, publishing education analyses that influence Swedish education policy. Read definition → Grade statistics (Betygsstatistik) Compilation of grade results per school, municipality, and nationwide. Published annually by the National Agency for Education. Read definition → School unit code (Skolenhetskod) A unique identifier for each school unit in the National Agency for Education's register. Used to link statistics to the correct school. Read definition → Organisation number (Organisationsnummer) The legal identity number for the school provider running the school. Used to identify corporate group affiliation. Read definition → The national price list (Riksprislistan) The National Agency for Education's list of funding amounts per programme for pupils attending upper secondary school in another municipality. Read definition → Admission score (Antagningspoäng) The lowest merit score required for admission to an upper secondary programme the previous year. Read definition → Lesson planning (Pedagogisk planering) The teacher's planning of instruction based on the syllabus objectives, core content, and grading criteria. Read definition → Evidence-based practice (Beprövad erfarenhet) Teachers' systematically documented and evaluated experience, given equal standing with scientific evidence in the Education Act. Read definition → Study and career counsellor (SYV) School staff who guide students in their choice of education and career. Must be available at every school. Read definition → Sámi School Board (Sameskolstyrelsen) Government agency responsible for Sámi schools and Sámi education in Sweden. Read definition → Per-pupil funding (Elevpeng) Informal term for school voucher — the amount the municipality pays per student to the school. Read definition → School library (Skolbibliotek) All students in compulsory and upper secondary school must have access to a school library. Regulated by the Education Act. Read definition → The school system (Skolväsendet) Collective term for all publicly funded education in Sweden — from preschool to adult education. Read definition → National programmes (upper secondary) The 18 upper secondary programmes in Sweden — 6 higher education preparatory and 12 vocational. Read definition → Municipal activity responsibility (Kommunalt aktivitetsansvar) The municipality's obligation to stay in contact with and offer support to young people aged 16–20 who are neither studying nor working. Read definition → Student influence and school democracy (Elevinflytande) Students' right to influence their education and school environment. Regulated by the Education Act and curriculum. Read definition → Faith-based schools (Konfessionella skolor) Independent schools with a religious orientation. Teaching must be non-confessional, but the profile may shape other school activities. Read definition → Grading authority (Betygsrätt) The right to award grades. Since 2015, a teaching licence and subject qualification are required to independently award grades. Read definition → Collaborative assessment (Sambedömning) Teachers assessing student work together to increase consistency in grading. Read definition → The Reading Boost (Läslyftet) The National Agency for Education's professional development programme for teachers focusing on literacy development across all subjects. Read definition → The Maths Boost (Matematiklyftet) The National Agency for Education's professional development programme for maths teachers. Sweden's largest investment in maths teacher training. Read definition → The National Principal Training Programme (Rektorsprogrammet) Mandatory government-funded training for principals. Must be completed within two years of appointment. Read definition → Education policy (Skolpolitik) The political governance of education — at national level through parliament and at local level through the municipal council. Read definition → Decentralisation of education The shift of responsibility from state to municipality that has characterised the Swedish school system since the 1990s. Read definition → Re-nationalisation (Återförstatligande) The political proposal to transfer responsibility for schools back from municipalities to the state. Read definition → Digital competence (Digital kompetens) The ability to use digital tools, critically evaluate information, and act responsibly online. Read definition → Deferred school start (Uppskjuten skolstart) The option to postpone school start by one year for children judged not ready. Decided by the home municipality. Read definition → Entrepreneurial learning (Entreprenöriellt lärande) A pedagogical approach that develops creativity, initiative, and enterprise in students. Read definition → Assessment support materials (Bedömningsstöd) Materials from the National Agency for Education that help teachers assess students' knowledge across subjects and year groups. Read definition → Compulsory education monitoring (Skolpliktsbevakning) The municipality's responsibility to ensure all school-age children fulfil their compulsory education. Includes absence follow-up. Read definition → TALIS The OECD's international teacher and principal survey comparing teachers' working conditions and teaching methods. Read definition → The teacher shortage (Lärarbristen) The shortage of qualified teachers in Swedish schools. The National Agency for Education estimates a need for tens of thousands of new teachers. Read definition → School counsellor (Skolkurator) A social worker in the student health team who provides social support, counselling, and works on psychosocial issues. Read definition → School nurse (Skolsköterska) A nurse in the student health team responsible for health check-ups, vaccinations, and medical advice. Read definition → Pedagogical leadership (Pedagogiskt ledarskap) The principal's role in leading and developing instruction. Research shows it has a significant impact on school outcomes. Read definition → Student-active teaching (Elevaktiv undervisning) Teaching methods where students are active participants in the learning process rather than passive recipients. Read definition → Teacher salary boost (Lärarlönelyftet) Government grant providing salary supplements to particularly skilled teachers. Up to SEK 5,000/month. Read definition → Senior lecturer (Lektor) A career post for teachers with postgraduate research training. Provides a salary supplement of at least SEK 10,000/month. Read definition → VFU — School-based teacher training Placement periods in teacher education where the student teaches at a school under supervision. Read definition → Continuing professional development for teachers Professional development for practising teachers. Can occur through courses, collaborative learning, or national programmes. Read definition → Goal- and result-based governance (Mål- och resultatstyrning) The governance model where the state sets goals and schools decide how to achieve them. Results are monitored and evaluated. Read definition → School governance (Huvudmannaskap) The legal responsibility for running a school. Can be municipal (the municipality) or independent (a private provider). Read definition → Advanced track programmes (Spetsutbildning) A pilot programme giving upper secondary students the opportunity to take university-level courses alongside their regular programme. Read definition → Practical-aesthetic subjects Subjects such as art, music, crafts, physical education, and home economics. They hold a distinct place in the curriculum. Read definition → Cross-curricular teaching (Ämnesövergripande undervisning) Teaching that integrates multiple subjects around shared themes or questions. Read definition → The Swedish school model The combination of free school choice, per-pupil vouchers, decentralisation, and independent schools that makes the Swedish system unique. Read definition → Classroom order (Arbetsro) Synonymous with studiero — a calm and focused learning environment in the classroom. Read definition → The school voucher inquiry (Skolpengsutredningen) A government inquiry into school funding, focusing on equal conditions between municipal and independent schools. Read definition → Discretionary quota (Fri kvot) An admissions category where a share of places are allocated through lottery or criteria other than grades. Read definition → School Appeals Board (Skolväsendets överklagandenämnd) The board that reviews appeals of decisions including action programmes, school placements, and suspensions. Read definition → National tests in mathematics Mandatory tests in mathematics in years 3, 6, and 9 and in upper secondary school. Cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics. Read definition → The National Agency for Education's open API A programmatic interface for fetching school statistics electronically. Used by Skolkoll and other services. Read definition → Catchment area (Upptagningsområde) The geographic area from which a municipal school primarily enrols students. Linked to the proximity principle. Read definition → GIA — Upper secondary admissions Regional collaboration on upper secondary admissions. Municipalities cooperate on a shared admissions system. Read definition → Parent-school collaboration (Föräldrasamverkan) The collaboration between school and home. Includes parent meetings, progress conferences, and ongoing communication. Read definition → Multilingualism (Flerspråkighet) The ability to communicate in multiple languages. An asset in education that schools should utilise and develop. Read definition → Sustainable development in the curriculum A cross-curricular perspective in the curriculum that should permeate all teaching. Covers ecological, social, and economic aspects. Read definition → Gender equality in schools (Jämställdhet) The school's mission to actively counteract gender stereotypes and give girls and boys equal opportunities. Read definition → International class/profile Schools or classes with an international orientation, often with instruction partly in English. Read definition → Legally sound assessment (Rättssäker bedömning) The principle that grading must be transparent, consistent, and possible to explain and justify. Read definition → Student council (Elevråd) The students' formal body for influence at school. Elected by students and represents them on issues of school environment and activities. Read definition → School-workplace collaboration Contact and cooperation between schools and the world of work. Includes work experience, study visits, and industry partnerships. Read definition → VAL (Further education for teachers) Supplementary pedagogical training for school staff who lack a teaching degree. Individualised study plan based on prior learning. Read definition → Career posts (Karriärtjänster) Government-funded career steps for teachers with salary supplements. First teachers receive at least SEK 5,000/month, senior lecturers at least SEK 10,000/month. Read definition → Staff turnover and working conditions The proportion of staff who leave and are replaced during a year. High turnover can indicate poor working conditions and affects teaching quality. Read definition →
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