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The Malaise in the School System

In: Dumbing Down

Author

Listed:
  • Magnus Henrekson

    (Research Institute of Industrial Economics)

  • Johan Wennström

    (Research Institute of Industrial Economics)

Abstract

A significant drop in students’ knowledge and skills is not the only problem facing Sweden’s schools. The chapter discusses the emergence of a systemic malaise that includes grade inflation, increasing gender differences in performance, and declining civic mindedness. Moreover, the work environment is marred by rising levels of bullying, unacceptable levels of rule-breaking, truancy, and a high incidence of mental health problems. The chapter also discusses the deterioration of working conditions for teachers and the flight from the teaching profession. Teachers self-report that their professional status is low in society, teacher-training programs do not attract top-level students, roughly half of the students in those programs drop out, and a substantial share of those who graduate leave the profession after a couple of years. The wholesale introduction of NPM methods has robbed teachers of the professional autonomy that used to be a key element of the profession’s attractiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Magnus Henrekson & Johan Wennström, 2022. "The Malaise in the School System," Springer Books, in: Dumbing Down, chapter 4, pages 63-80, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-030-93429-3_4
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93429-3_4
    as

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