Special Language Instruction (Særskilt språkopplæring): Rights for Children with Another Mother Tongue

Norwegian law recognises that many pupils need targeted language support to succeed. If your child has a mother tongue other than Norwegian or Sami, they may have a right to special language instruction (særskilt språkopplæring) until they can follow ordinary teaching.

What “special language instruction” can include

• Extra Norwegian instruction (Norwegian as a second language)
• Mother tongue teaching (in some cases)
• Bilingual subject teaching (in some cases)

Why it matters for immigrant families

• Without formal support, language barriers can be misread as “low ability” or “behaviour problems.”
• Support is often granted through a formal decision (vedtak). Decisions create rights—and can be challenged if inadequate.
• Documentation and clear requests prevent the common “we’ll see later” stall.

Grunnskole (primary/lower secondary)

Pupils have the right to special language instruction until they are proficient enough in Norwegian to follow ordinary education. Udir also explains related rules, such as exemptions from certain subjects for pupils with a decision for special language instruction.

Videregående (upper secondary)

Similar rights exist in upper secondary education: pupils with another mother tongue may have the right to special language instruction until Norwegian skills are sufficient.

How to request it (parent checklist)

1. Request an assessment and support in writing to the school.
2. Ask what documentation they need (previous school records, language mapping, etc.).
3. Ask for the decision in writing: what support, how many hours, and how it will be evaluated.
4. Ask for a timeline: “When will we review progress and adjust support?”

Sources & further reading

• Udir: Special language instruction (overview)
• Udir: § 3-6 Special language instruction in grunnskole
• Udir: § 6-5 Special language instruction in videregående

Do Better Norge note: Language support is not charity—it’s inclusion. If the school acknowledges the need informally but avoids a written decision, politely insist on clarity: rights require documentation.