språkstödbehov

Språkstödbehov refers to the need for language support among students who do not yet have sufficient proficiency in Swedish to participate fully in classroom instruction. In Sweden, the term is commonly used in compulsory and upper secondary education to identify students who require additional language instruction in order to meet curriculum objectives. The assessment of språkstödbehov is typically carried out by teachers, language advisers, or school administration and can involve observations, language tests, and evaluations of how well a student can access and express themselves in Swedish in different subjects.

Språkstöd is provided either within the regular classroom through adapted teaching and teacher collaboration, or in targeted language instruction (for example, in Swedish as a second language). The approach aims to develop both general language proficiency and academic language skills necessary for learning content.

The identification of språkstödbehov informs planning and resource allocation at school and municipal levels; it may influence placement, class composition, and support services. It is usually considered dynamic, with the level of support adjusted as the student's Swedish proficiency and academic progress develop over time. While focusing on language, schools typically aim to maintain inclusive practices and avoid segregation.

Because the term can vary in interpretation between municipalities, practice in assessing and addressing språkstödbehov is guided by national curriculum guidelines and Skolverket's general advice on Svenska som andraspråk and language development in school settings.