Poor knowledge in mathematics is a major reason why every sixth ninth-grader left elementary school this year without eligibility for upper secondary school.
A new report from the National Agency for Education shows that many of those who received an F after elementary school fell behind in teaching early in their school career and did not receive any special support.
"It is serious that special support is often introduced only in upper secondary school. Then it may be too late. Research shows that students who receive support early have a greater chance of succeeding in school and achieving the goals," says Sanna Vent, education counselor at the National Agency for Education in a press release.
Almost half of the students without eligibility after elementary school had an F in mathematics in sixth grade and only a quarter passed the national tests in third grade.
"This indicates that the school often fails in its work to provide students with the support they need and are entitled to in order to achieve the goals," says Sanna Vent.
