Reform set to revamp Danish public schools

The Danish government and four parties have agreed on a comprehensive reform of public schools prioritizing local control and fewer tests with an introduction of ‘junior apprenticeship’. Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye criticized the excessive central management of schools, as reflected in the doubled length of the education law. The agreement includes an annual allocation of 740 million DKK for more local freedom, a one-time injection of 540 million DKK for physical books to reduce screen time, and 2.6 billion DKK to upgrade facilities for active learning. The reform will also simplify curricula. Additionally, it allows 8th and 9th graders to split their week between a company and school in a work-study initiative.