Historical Trends and Present status of Education for the Retarded in Norway

The educational provisions for slow learners, educable and severely retarded children in Norway are traced from their inception in 1881. Historically, slow learners have been educated in regular schools while educable and severely retarded individuals have been educated and cared for in institutions. Educators, as opposed to medical personnel, held the primary responsibility for the retarded until 1949. Currently, both disciplines share the responsibility. The present status of special education, including the selection of children to the special classes, the curriculum, and teacher preparation are also discussed.