Kunnskapsløftet

Kunnskapsløftet, meaning Knowledge Promotion or Knowledge Lift, is the name of the Norwegian national reform of primary and secondary education. Introduced by the Ministry of Education and Research and implemented from 2006, it replaced the previous curriculum for grunnskolen (L97) and laid the framework for videregående opplæring. The reform aimed to raise learning outcomes and to secure more uniform standards across municipalities by emphasizing competence, learning processes, and the ability to use knowledge in practice.

The reform reorganized the national curriculum into three interconnected parts: a general core curriculum applicable to all subjects, subject-specific curricula, and a framework of cross-curricular competences. The core elements focus on developing knowledge, skills, and general competences such as critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy. The cross-curricular themes are meant to run across subjects and include areas such as democracy and human rights, sustainable development, health and well-being, and cultural understanding.

Assessment and implementation: Kunnskapsløftet introduced clearer learning objectives and expanded use of national tests to monitor progress and guide school development. It also sought to balance national guidance with local autonomy, allowing municipalities and schools to tailor implementation within the framework. The reform covered grunnskolen (primary and lower secondary) and videregående opplæring (upper secondary) with phased rollout through the late 2000s.

Impact and reception: The reform marked a shift toward competence-based education and national standardization within Norway's education system. It has been followed by subsequent curriculum revisions and reforms, reflecting ongoing debates about workload, assessment, and the balance between national directives and local adaptation.