Norway is a high-performing country in PIAAC assessments of numeracy, literacy, and problem-solving skills. However, there are still challenges, as a large number of Norwegians demonstrate low achievement. Following PIAAC results, Norway identified 12 main skills challenges and prioritized improving skills system effectiveness, tackling skills imbalances, and education/training for low-skilled adults. Key policy actions included establishing a skills strategy and action plan for continuous education, strengthening links between skills and economic demand, and developing a comprehensive career guidance system. A new white paper aims to present a holistic policy to address low basic skills among Norwegian adults.

1. Lessons from
Norway: Policy responses
to evidence from PIAAC
Xeni Kristine Dimakos,
Director, Research department

2. Overview
• Norway: A high performing country in PIAAC
• But, there are serious challenges
• Policy actions following PIAAC

3. Numeracy
1. Japan (288)
…
6. Norway (278)
…
17. England/N.Ireland (262)
Literacy
1. Japan (296)
…
6. Norway (278)
…
13. England/N.Ireland (272)
Problem solving
1. Sweden
…
4. Norway
…
9. England/N.Ireland
Norway: One of the high performers

4. Participation in education and training

5. • 400 000 in literacy
• 480 000 in numeracy
• 800 000 in problem solving
Large number of low achievers

6. 240 245 250 255 260 265 270 275 280 285 290 295 300
Score
Average16-24year-olds
KOREA
Germany
Norway
Average55-65year-olds
Spain
Finland
France
US
UK

7. 260
265
270
275
280
285
290
295
300
305
310
IALS ALL PIAAC
Score
Norway
Netherlands
Canada
United States
Australia
Sweden
Denmark
Finland
Development over time

8. The Skills Strategy
• Prior to the launch of PIAAC, the
OECD and Norway started
working on a skills strategy for
Norway
• 2013: Diagnostic phase
• February 2014: Diagnostic report
• September 2014: Action report

9. Developing
1. Building strong foundation
skills for all
2. Reducing drop outs
3. Informing educational
choices
Activating
4. Enhancing participation
5. Encouraging labor market
attachment (low skilled
youth)
6. Ensuring Norwegian remain
active longer
Using
7. Engaging employers in
ensuring a highly skilled
workforce
8. Promoting innovation and
entrepreneurship
9. Enhancing use of migrant
worker skills
Skills system
1. Facilitating a whole of
government approach
2. Ensuring local flexibility and
adaptability
3. Improving implementation
and building partnerships
12 main challenges identified

10. Top 3 priorities
1. Norway’s skills system
effectiveness
2. Tackling skills imbalances
3. Education and training for
low-skilled adults

11. 1. Set up a skills strategy for Norway
2. Establish an action plan on continuous
education and training
3. Strengthen the link between skills
development and economic demand
4. Build a comprehensive career
guidance system
5. Strengthen incentives for people to
move into shortage occupations
5 key actions

12. A white paper in the making
• “Lifelong learning and exclusion”
• Started early 2014
• To be presented late this year
• A joint initiative
• Ministry of Education and research
• Ministry of labour and social affairs
• Ministry of children, equality and social inclusion
The white paper aims at presenting a new and
holistic policy for adults with low basic skills