Teachers should continuously assess how the students develop in relation to the goals in each subject. For students in the grades for which no goals to attain have been specified, a “prognosis” of the fulfilment of the respective goals to attain (for grade 5 and grade 9) is given.

At the upper level of compulsory school as well as at secondary school level, the teacher assessments also serve as a basis for grading. The teachers are not only to assess whether the requirements of the goals to attain have been fulfilled or not, but also the standard of the fulfilment. Hence, for a higher grade the students are not required to attain more goals, but a higher standard of knowledge.
The students must be able to combine and use their knowledge in a more comprehensive way to be awarded a higher grade than Pass (G).

Grading criteria
The syllabi specify the standard of knowledge required for the different grades. The grades used at the upper level of compulsory school are Pass (G), Pass with Distinction (VG), and Pass with Great Distinction (MVG). At the upper level of compulsory school, the Fail grade (IG) is not awarded. Having failed to attain the required standard of knowledge in a subject at the end of grade 9, a student will not be awarded a grade in that subject. Instead, the student will be issued with a written assessment.

Pass (G)
The standard of knowledge required for the grade Pass (G) is expressed by the goals to attain. Expressions such as “be able to participate”, “are familiar with”, “have a knowledge of” and “be able to orally relate” are frequently used in the criteria defining the goals. In order to be awarded the grade Pass (G) in a subject, the student must have fulfilled the requirements of all the goals to attain.

Pass with Distinction (VG)
To be awarded the grade Pass with Distinction (VG), the student must have fulfilled, in addition to the goals to attain, the criteria of the grade Pass with Distinction. In the criteria, expressions such as “relate, describe, and explain”, “provide arguments/discuss” and “draw conclusions”, and “evaluate” are frequently used.

Pass with Great Distinction (MVG)
To be awarded the grade Pass with Great Distinction (MVG), the student must have reached yet another level of independent thinking and reasoning. The student should be able to reflect upon both the standard of knowledge acquired as well as the work performed. To define the goals, words and expressions such as “interpret”, “critically examine”, “give alternative suggestions”, “solve problems”, and “evaluate their work” are frequently used.

Written assessment
Students who have not yet fulfilled the requirements for a Pass (G) grade should be issued with a written assessment describing the student’s knowledge achievement and development in relation to the goals to attain. In addition, the document should specify the measures taken by the school to help the student attain the goals. A written assessment is a supplement to the school leaving certificate issued at the end of grade 9.

National tests
National tests are held in mathematics, English, and Swedish in grade 5 and grade 9. The tests assess the students’ knowledge in general and constitute one part of the local grading process. At national level, the tests are intended as an instrument towards more equivalent assessment. The national tests do not measure the whole scope of the syllabi, but only certain, vital parts. When awarding grades, the teacher must therefore make a comprehensive assessment of each student’s knowledge, out of which the national test results constitute only one part