Description of collections

Procedure of collection

_{The UGU database, in collaboration with Statistics Sweden, has been able to collect pupil, teacher and guardian surveys from a stratified sample of Sweden's population.} 

The sample consists of 10% of students born in the specified year of birth and is drawn when they are in grade 3 during the year of collection. The year of birth given corresponds to a cohort in our database, and we are currently collecting data for our twelfth birth cohort. The birth cohort is selected at six-year intervals, and this has been consistent since 1980. 

With the help of Statistics Sweden, we can stratify the sample on the basis of municipality and school size. The child's gender and the parents' migration and educational background also play a role in who is included in the sample. Based on the selection of students, guardians and teachers can also be linked to the selection and take part in our surveys.

The survey, which consists of questionnaires and proficiency tests, is handed out from the time the student is in grade 3 or 6. After that, the survey is carried out every three schoolyears until the student finishes upper secondary school or chooses to end their participation.

Material

After the sample has been drawn by Statistics Sweden, the principals of schools with pupils in the sample are notified of the survey and receive information about our purpose and the scope of the survey. The principals themselves do not participate in any surveys, but can determine the school's ability to participate. As a principal, you can find out more information about your school's participation here. 

_Surveys

The student surveys contain questions regarding self-assessment in different subjects and in different school situations. Questions concerning motivation, working methods in the class, relationships with other students, family and school staff also occur. These vary to some extent depending on the age of the student - questions about grades and future plans occur from year 9. 

The connection to the guardian is made possible via the student's residential address and the guardian receives the questionnaire in letter form. They can answer the survey via the web, or in physical form. They receive the questionnaire when the child is in grades 3 and 6. Their questions concern their view of the child's school, qualities that they value in their choice of school, their attitude towards higher education and their involvement in the child's school life. 

During years 3 and 6, teachers also take part in a survey. The connection to teachers is more difficult, as the proficiency test included in the survey requires an overview for which a substitute, or a teacher at the school who lacks regular contact with the student in the sample can be appointed. Through the teacher register however, we can find a connection to the student, but it is not as strong as a connection to guardians. The teacher survey therefore works best in separate use. 

The teacher survey consists of questions that highlight the teacher's professional experience, education, competence, estimation of the school's resources, access to professional development and values regarding the profession.  

_{Proficiency test}

Students in grades 3 and 6 take part in a supplementary knowledge test with three to four parts. More information can be found under each cohort.

UGUs cohorts and collections

Backgroundvariables and schooladministrative data enable our longitudinal design and are available for all cohorts. 

Overlapping data 

It can be useful for you as a researcher to know the survey questions that have occurred the most across cohorts. Upon request, you can recieve a document where you will find the frequency and consistency of the questions overtime.