Menntamál

Menntamál is an Icelandic term that translates roughly to education policy or education matters. In Icelandic public discourse, it denotes the sector of public policy and administration concerned with education across all levels, from early childhood to higher education and lifelong learning.

The term covers policy areas such as curriculum and standards, teacher training and qualifications, school funding, governance and oversight, inclusion and equal access, digital learning, research, and innovation in education.

In Iceland, responsibility for menntamál is shared between the national government and municipalities. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture develops policy, negotiates national guidelines, and allocates funding, while municipalities operate most primary and secondary schools. Universities and other higher education institutions implement higher education policy in collaboration with the state.

Policy processes involve Parliament, the government’s program, and public consultations, with reforms often accompanied by budget decisions and evaluation frameworks.

The term also functions as a catch-all topic in media and political debates, reflecting evolving priorities such as inclusion, Nordic educational standards, digital competency, and lifelong learning.