The Danish public school system is set to introduce new measures aimed at assisting students who face the greatest challenges in Danish and mathematics. Starting from the upcoming school year, special support will be provided to the ten percent of students who struggle the most with these subjects. All schools across the country are required to implement this additional initiative, but they have the autonomy to determine the specific methods used.

Andreas Rasch-Christensen, research director at Via University College, emphasizes three key strategies that research has shown to have a positive effect on struggling students. Firstly, it is important that the extra support is integrated into daily instruction. An example of this could involve the use of two teachers in the classroom, where one focuses on students who require extra help in Danish and mathematics.

In addition, peer-to-peer learning is recommended, where students collaborate with the guidance of qualified teachers. This approach can create a dynamic learning environment, allowing students to learn from one another and gain different perspectives on the material.

Finally, Rasch-Christensen stresses the importance of effective evaluation methods. Good evaluations provide students with a clear understanding of where they need to improve, which can enhance their self-awareness and motivation to learn.

The new initiative to provide extra support has been approved by a political majority in the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) as part of a broader agreement concerning the public schools. It is emphasized that successfully passing Danish and mathematics is crucial for students’ future educational opportunities.

Andreas Rasch-Christensen notes that there is a significant portion of students who fail these subjects and, as a result, are unable to pursue further education at the youth level. This highlights the necessity of implementing targeted interventions to assist these students.

An analysis from the Workers’ Movement’s Business Council (Arbejderbevægelsens Erhvervsråd) shows that 11.5 percent of ninth-grade students failed their final exams in Danish and/or mathematics in 2023. This underlines the pressing need for the new initiatives designed to ensure that more students complete their public school education with the essential skills required for their future.