De nationella proven i NO åk 6. Skillnader i resultat mellan olika grupper

Abstract

In the spring of 2013 national tests in biology, physics and chemistry in grade 6 were implemented for the first time in Sweden. Data collected in connection to the tests are used to analyse student performance at different levels. This paper reports on differences in performance in biology, physics and chemistry between teaching groups, as well as differences in results related to gender and Swedish / Swedish as a second language. Comparisons are also made with results from TIMSS 2011, which tested the same group of students. Analyses were carried out with the aim to discuss equity in science education in Swedish schools. Overall, the results indicate that differences in student performance related to teaching group have increased since 2011 and that differences depending on the linguistic background are considerable. Additionally, girls perform better than boys in all science subjects. All these differences are large enough to be paid attention to on political levels and by principals and teachers. Both overall structural changes and changes in teaching and learning activities in schools are needed to increase equity in science education.