Information regarding the Norwegian School Inspection

 

Q.  What is now the process for a new application?

 

A.  June 2013

Message from DNSB:

 

Today, DNS Brussels was informed by SSB the result of the response from the Department of Education in Norway regarding the decision to retract the certification of the Norwegian section at SSB.

 

What does this mean for the Norwegian program for students in Brussels? 

 

The Norwegian School of Brussels (DNSB) has an active application for a new certification with Utdanningsdirektoratet, and been granted a speedy process which could allow for start already in August 2013. This decision should be released before 15 June 2013. DNS Brussels are in close contact with Utdanningsdirektoratet in this process.

 

Alternatively, DNSB has applied for a decision for August 2014. If Udanningsdirektoratet is not allowing for a start with subsidies already from August 2013, the Norwegian School programme will still be offered for the year 2013/2014 on a private basis by SSB.

 

DNS Brussels has been prepared and understands the national demands and respects the decisions made.  We have been offered by SSB to rent school facilities from August 2013 if the approval and a Norwegian grant are approved.

 

The Board of DNSB is committed to provide a high-quality school for our Norwegian students in a known environment for the pupils and the Norwegian community in Brussels.

 

For further information, you can contact:

 

Veronica Herlofsen         

 

Chair of the Board of DNSB

Email: veronicaherlofsen2009(at) live.no

 

Q.  SSB's official response to the decision to deny the appeal:

A. June 2013

 

Today, SSB received a response from the Department of Education in Norway regarding our appeal to the decision to retract the certification of the Norwegian section at our school.  The Education Department has not accepted our appeal and will stand by the decision from the National Education Agency in Norway.  You can read the full decision, here>>.

 

While the Department of Education in Norway did recognize the efforts of current staff and board members, these efforts were not sufficient to overturn the final decision.

 

“Departementet har market seg at det sittende styret ved skolen har gjennomført tiltak for å bringe virksomheten ved Scandinavian School of Brussels i samsvar med regelverket. I spørsmålet om nødvendig tillit må likevel departementet forholde seg til skolen som sådan og dennes historikk og ikke kun det sittende styret.”      s. 25

 

What does this mean for the Norwegian program for students at SSB? 

The Norwegian program will continue for classes 1 – 10 next year! 

 

“We are prepared to operate the Norwegian program with or without state subsidies while we await a decision for a new certification . . . Our staff, board, and our parents believe in our program.  We are willing to do whatever it takes to continue the strong academic program we have today for all of our students …”

-         Kristy Lundström, SSB Head of School

 

Naturally, this is a disappointment for all of SSB.  We have operated as a Nordic school for 40 years.  However, we understand the national demands and respect the programs we follow.  Within the framework of the Norwegian school law, we are committed to continue to offer a high-quality school for our Norwegian students.

 

Q.  Can DNSBrussels receive a quick answer on their application for a new certification of the Norwegian school?

A.  April 2013

 

Yes!  DNSB received this letter from Udir on April 30th granting special circumstances to this application.  The application for recertification of our Norwegian school will be considered for start in August 2013.

 

Q.  Has a new rektor been chosen for the Norwegian school? 

A. April 2013

 

The SSB Norway and the DNSB board are currently recruiting a new rektor.  Many qualified candidates have applied.  The recruitment process will be finalized before May 17th.

 

 

Q.  Has SSB Norway applied for a new certification for the Norwegian school?

A.  March 2013

 

Yes, SSB Norway created a new entity called DNS-Brussels (Den norske skolen Brussel).  This entity completed an application for a new certification for a Norwegian school at SSB for classes 1 - 10.

For information, read the full press release, here>>

 

Q.  Where can I find further information about SSB's demerger process?

A.  March 2013

 

A memo constructed by PwC explaining the demerger process, inlcuding dates, can be found here>>

 

Q.  Has SSB received any further information from Udir regarding the appeal?

A.  March 2013

 

Yes.  Udir has passed our appeal along to the Education Department in Norway.  You can read their comments, here>>

 

Q.  Has SSB submitted their appeal?

A.  February 2013

 

Yes.  Our appeal focused specifically on Udir's decision to withdraw SSB's certification as a Norwegian school abroad.  In the appeal, we asked the Department of Education to consider a milder sanction.  

The appeal highlighted three main points:

 

- all breaches (except instruction language*) have been corrected

- restoring confidence in SSB Norway's ability to run the Norwegian school

- the possible impact on Norwegian students and families

*SSB is actively recruiting additional Norwegian teachers, as soon as they are hired . . . we will be in full compliance.  Currently, these courses are covered by Scandinavian speaking teachers using Norwegian materials.

 

Q.  Has the situation at SSB received any attention in the Parliament in Norway?

A.  February 2013

 

On Feb 19, 2013, the following question was raised to the Education Minister in an open questions forum:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                 

 

Response from

Education Minister,

Kristin Halvorsen   

here>>                                                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  Where can Norwegian families at SSB find information regarding how the academic program at SSB will merge with further studies in Norway?

A.  February 2013

 

All SSB families are invited to come in and talk directly with Kristy Lundström or Christina Newport.

You can also find many of the most common questions answered here>>

 

Q.  Will SSB continue with the Norwegian section at SSB in 2013-2014?

A.  February 2013

 

Yes.  After a family survey was distributed and collected, we know that we have great parent support for our school.  There will be a Norwegian school here next year.

 

Q.  What is SSB's message to students, families, and partners?

A.  February 2013

 

SSB distributed an information letter to all families on February 6.  Click here>> to read the school's official comment.

 

Q.  Where can I find a list of the breaches as identified by Udir and the actions SSB has taken?

A.  SSB February 2013

 

Of the 56 breaches in compliance identified by Udir in March 2012, SSB had corrected 54 by January 1, 2013.  SSB informed Udir of this on January 11, 2013.  You can find a full list of SSB's development work, including dates of completion, here>>

 

Q.  What are the next steps SSB will take?

A.  SSB February 2013

 

SSB will appeal the decision.

 

Q.  What information does Udir provide for families?

A.  February 2013

 

You can find an information letter from Udir here>>

 

Q.  What will happen now with the Norwegian school at SSB?

A.  SSB February 2013

 

The SSB school board will hold an extraordinary meeting on Feb 4 to determine the next steps to take in our appeals/recertification process.

 

Q.  Has there been any contact between SSB and Udir since the letter on Dec 6, 2012?

A.  SSB January 2013

 

Yes, Udir requested documentation showing SSB's progress with our development plan as specified in our October 2012 report.  The additional documentation was sent in to Udir on Jan 11, 2013. 

 

Q.  Will SSB receive their report before Christmas?

A.  SSB December 2012

No, we received this letter from Udir on Dec 6, 2012:

 

Q.  Where can I find the information that was presented at the Parents Information Meeting on November 15?

A. SSB November 2012

You can find the full presentation, here>>

 

Q. Was the SSB response report delivered to Udir today?  If so, where can I find a copy?

A.  SSB October 2012

Yes, SSB sent in our response report on October 26.  You can read the full report, here>>

 

Q.  How long will it take from the date SSB submits their response report until SSB receives a final decision from Utdanningsdirektoratet?

A. SSB October 2012

Utdanningsdirektoratet estimates approximately 4 – 6 weeks.

 

Q.  Can SSB comment on the meeting held with Utdanningsdirektoratet October 17?

A.  SSB October 2012

Yes.  It was a constructive meeting.  Our understanding that all development and actions SSB has implemented between March 2012 and October 26, 2012 will be taken into account in the final evaluation before Utdanningsdirektoratet issues a final decision was confirmed.  Utdanningsdirektoratet also confirmed that when considering possible sanctions for SSB, the effect such sanctions would have on our current students would be considered carefully.  SSB posed specific clarification questions regarding the preliminary inspection report.  Utdanningsdirektoratet has agreed to answer these questions in written form.  SSB appreciated the opportunity to meet with the authors of our preliminary inspection report.  SSB had the opportunity to state that both the board and the staff will do everything possible to address and correct every infraction mentioned in the report immediately.