In the 60s, obscure classes were introduced in Swedish schools. Students with different types of study difficulties were placed there and the teaching took place in separate classes.
During the 90’s, the obscure classes were replaced by an inclusion model where students began to be taught in the regular classrooms.
Three decades later, several political parties believe that there is once again a need to expand special education in Swedish schools.
When SVT asks all parliamentary parties if they believe that students with neuropsychiatric diagnoses should to a greater extent be given special education in separate groups – everyone except the Left Party answered “yes”.
– We must work more with level grouping and special teaching groups to find the individual solutions, says Lars Hjälmered (M), education policy spokesperson.
Teachers’ Union critical
But the chairman of the Swedish Teachers’ Association is critical of the proposal and does not believe that it is the right way to achieve either peace of mind or increased knowledge results.
– The problem is that the classes are too big. We need more teachers and opportunities to collaborate with special teachers when needed. This requires politicians to ensure equal funding, says Johanna Jaara Åstrand.
She thinks that the proposal puts blame on individual students.
– It is wrong if you think that you solve the problems in Swedish schools by removing certain students, she says.
Lars Hjälmered (M) says that an expanded level grouping is not in conflict with factors such as inclusion and equality.
– But I think we must be honest that we need to start from each student’s conditions and aptitudes if they are to succeed, he says. Here you can read all the parties’ answers to SVT’s survey on school policy.
“A fight against gains in school paves the way for clearer left-right conflict” – hears SVT’s domestic policy commentator Elisabeth Marmorstein: