tukiopetus

Tukiopetus is organized supplementary instruction in Finnish basic education for pupils who need additional support to reach the objectives of the national curriculum. It is typically delivered by the class teacher or a special education teacher and can take place during the regular school day or after school, as arranged by the school. The aim is to strengthen skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, or study strategies, and to enable a pupil to participate in normal instruction with sufficient progress.

Planning and cooperation: Tukiopetus is planned based on the pupil’s individual needs and is decided in cooperation with the pupil and their guardians, often after assessment by school staff. It can be provided as one-on-one instruction or in small groups and may focus on a specific subject or on general learning skills. The duration and frequency vary according to need, school resources, and the pupil’s progress.

Legal framework: In Finland, tukiopetus falls under the system of arranging pupil support within the Basic Education Act and related regulations. It is part of general education and is distinct from more extensive special education (erityinen tuki), which requires formal decisions and separate provisions. The aim is to promote equal learning opportunities and to prevent attainment gaps.

Outcomes and monitoring: Schools monitor progress and adjust the support plan as needed. Documentation is typically kept in the pupil’s learning plan or welfare plan, with ongoing communication between school staff and parents.