The results from PISA 2015 and TIMSS 2015 were published in November and December 2016. All the Nordic countries participated in PISA. Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden participated in TIMSS grade 4 and Norway and Sweden participated in TIMSS grade 8. The Nordic countries have similarities but also differences, which makes it interesting and valuable to carry out analyses in a Nordic perspective. In this report researchers from all the Nordic countries have done in-depth analyses on different policy relevant themes based on the results presented in 2016. The purpose of this report has been to present policy relevant analyses of TIMSS and PISA in a way that is accessible for policy makers on different levels in the Nordic countries, with the aim to contribute to further development in the education area.

Does the Nordic model of education still stand by its original principles and safeguard education for all? This Open Access volume is a carefully crafted collection of chapters that investigate the different aspects of equity, equality and diversity across the education systems in the Nordic countries. Based on data from various national and international large-scale assessments, the volume provides a better understanding of both the functions and foundations of the Nordic model, along with how the concepts mentioned above are enacted in practice. Across the chapters, data from different national and international large-scale assessment studies are used for cross- and single-country analyses on a variety of issues related to equity, equality and inequality in diverse educational settings. The investigations address different subject domains (i.e., mathematics, science, reading), age and grade groups, but also issues related to teachers and the schools themselves. In addition to these empirical chapters, the book addresses the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of the ideas and tools embedded in the phenomena of equity and equality and how they have met in the Nordic model of education.

Iceland has rapidly caught up with the richest OECD economies. Favourable external conditions and good policies helped create inclusive growth, low unemployment, low inflation, and sustainable public finances. The economy is very egalitarian, and living standards are among the highest in the OECD. Yet growth is now turning sharply due to a rapid decline in tourist arrivals and weak marine exorts, with growth projected to slow to around zero in 2019.

This open access book provides an analysis of the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on diverse education systems, and of the results of the policies adopted to sustain educational opportunities. Through a series of diverse national case studies, the book examines the preexisting fragilities and vulnerabilities in educational structures which shaped the nature of the varied responses, around the world, to teaching and learning during the worst crisis in public education in recent history. The chapters in the book take stock of how educational opportunities changed in various education systems around the world as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, answering the question of what did education systems, and societies, learn about education as a result of the pandemic. The book covers diverse education systems, with varying levels of resources and facing distinct education challenges, including Brazil, Chile, Finland, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, and the United States.