DeKomp – collaboration for development and quality in schools
How can schools develop their professional community and work with pedagogical development based on local needs? Within the DeKomp scheme, NLA University College works with many different schools with a focus on mutual learning, professional development and respect for the school's uniqueness.
Is your school interested in collaborating?
Collaboration for the benefit of students
NLA University College participates in the DeKomp scheme through mutual partnerships with school owners, school leaders, teachers and the entire colleague community. The goal is to help achieve the national sector goals for the school, while strengthening the team around the children. All students must have access to an inclusive and safe learning environment, characterized by high professional competence.
In partnership, we work together to explore and change practices where the school itself identifies that there is a need. At the same time, the college receives support that can strengthen the continuous pedagogical development work that always takes place in the schools. And together we improve teacher and pedagogy education. Together we strengthen both the field of practice and teacher education.
At NLA University College, the academic communities in teacher education, pedagogy and communication and philosophy of life work together to support our partner schools. These academic communities contribute research-based expertise in subject didactics, pedagogical theory and process and management support.
We also actively use the experiences from DeKomp in the development of teacher and pedagogy education at NLA. Our university college teachers who collaborate with the various schools in DeKomp also educate the next generation of new teachers and school leaders at our study locations in Bergen and Oslo. The practical competence we gain through close collaboration with teachers and school leaders provides valuable insight that makes our education more relevant and practical.
School-based competence development
Since the DeKomp scheme was launched in 2017, NLA University College has collaborated with primary and secondary schools in Ytre Midthordland and Sunnhordland. In Askøy municipality, we are now working to strengthen children's reading skills and create a desire to learn. In Bømlo, Etne and Kvinnherad, the focus is now on inclusive practice, with the aim of creating safe and supportive learning environments for all students.
The collaboration is based on the school's needs. The competence need is identified through local processes, where NLA participates as an active and listening partner. It is important that the school's employees have ownership of the measures, and that the collaboration is based on trust and common understanding. Mutual learning and co-creation are central to the entire process.
– It is incredibly rewarding to participate in deep reflection related to children's learning, learning structures, and school codes.
National partner for independent schools
NLA is particularly committed to supporting private and Christian independent schools in their work to highlight the school's unique character and values. This is an important contribution to strengthening the school's identity and pedagogical profile. NLA currently collaborates with 23 independent schools in the counties of Vestland, Rogaland, Vestfold, Oslo and Telemark.
The Independent School Act § 2A-2 requires faith-based schools to highlight their values in the curricula. This is an area where NLA, as a Christian private university college, wants to develop expertise in close collaboration with the independent school movement.
Among these are St. Paul School in Bergen, St. Sunniva School in Oslo, the independent school network in Rogaland and DELK schools in Vestfold, Oslo and Telemark. Many of these schools find that working to highlight the school's Christian values helps to strengthen the school's profile and community.