Förortens skola - möjligheternas skola?

Loss of equivalence in Swedish education has been highlighted in both research and media. Arguably, one explanation for this is related to the free choice reform which has led to competition and homogenization of schools. In combination with peer effects and teachers’ different expectations this has led to a gap between schools in the way they adapt their marketing towards specific groups of students. Some students become more desirable than others. The polarization between “winners” and “losers” has thereby increased the importance of school selection with regards to learning outcomes and future educational life chances. This article focuses on students in Ash Public, a public upper secondary school located in a stigmatized immigrant suburb. The study is based on formal interviews, field interviews and observations, and contrary to its negative reputation, the school and its pedagogical practice were generally described in positive terms by the involved school actors. Teachers mentioned motivated and ambitious students and students described a school where they felt safe and included and where collaborative work was in focus. Ash Public proved to be a school for everyone except for “Swedes”.Utbildning och lärande. Tidskrift