The number of assistants in schools has increased by 25 per cent over the past ten years, according to figures from the Primary School Information System (GSI).
In the 2013/14 school year, 16,936 assistants were registered in schools. In the 2022/23 school year, this number increased by 5,779, to 22,715 attendings. The increase corresponds to 25 percent, writes VG.
The number of assistant man-years increased during this period by a full 3,256 man-years, to 11,490.
Part of the explanation lies in the increased use of assistants for students with special education.
Linn Myhrvold is the main union representative for teachers in the municipality of Østre Toten. She is somewhat divided about the increased use of assistants.
– Skilled assistants and workers do a good job at school – with the right support. At the same time, more teachers are needed. Different groups have different tasks to fulfill within the school, Myhrvold explains.
She believes, however, that the trend towards a sharp increase in the proportion of assistants in schools is a sign that many schools prefer cheap labor – rather than job centers and qualified teacher replacements.
In the VG figures, assistants who work at the SFO (the after-school program) or the AKS (the activity school) are omitted.
(©NTB)
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