No description available.

Friskolereformen 1992 innebar att den svenska skolan konkurrensutsattes. Expansionen av friskolor var snabb och idag går mer än 25 procent av alla gymnasieelever i en friskola. Denna studie avser att studera kunskapsutfallet av friskolereformen i den svenska gymnasieskolan. Studien baserar sig på en jämförelse mellan 19 län och studerar de förändringar som skett under åren 2004 till 2011 när andelen elever i friskola har förändrats. Som utfallsvariabler studeras gymnasiets slutbetyg, högskoleprovsresultatet samt övergången till högskola. Studien använder sig av multipel regression med länsfixa och årsfixa effekter. Resultaten visar att slutbetyget inte påverkas av andelen elever i friskola, däremot påverkas resultatet på högskoleprovet marginellt negativt. Studien finner dock samtidigt att andelen elever i friskola påverka övergången till högskolan marginellt positivt. / The number of independent schools in Sweden expanded rapidly as a result of the 1992 voucher reform. The effects were most noticeable in the upper secondary school with more than 25 percent of all Swedish students currently attending a private school. The aim of this paper is to examine the effects on upper secondary students' study-results as a result of the voucher reform. The paper compares study-results for 19 counties covering the years 2004-2011. The measured outcome variables used are grade point average, SweSAT-scores and transitions to higher education. The tool of analysis used is a multiple regression with county- and year fixed effects. The results from this paper show that grade point average is not affected by the number of students attending private schools, the SweSAT-scores drop marginally with a higher number of students in private schools. Finally the results display a weak positive link between the number of students attending private schools and transitions to higher education.

Magister Educationis - MEd / The study was prompted by the need to look at alternative options to mainstream education for learners who are too old for their grade, who have opted out of the education system but find themselves wanting to re-access the education system. Mainstream schooling seems a difficult option for many learners who would like to complete their basic education but find that they have problems fitting in the multi-age classroom. If they are too old for their grade, they are at risk of dropping out. Following a review of the literature around access, re-access, over-age, dropout, exclusion, inclusion, capability and a methodological approach to the study, the analysis will focus on the Youth Care School, a school for age-inappropriate learners as a form of intervention. This is a day school operating independently from the Western Cape Education Department, taking on learners who are too old for their grade, who would otherwise be on the streets. The theoretical perspective of the study will focus on the capability theory and alternative schools as forms of capability development.

This dissertation examined the experiences of Black middle school girls who attend predominantly white, elite, independent schools in the Greater Los Angeles area. Using Critical Race Theory, Black Identity Theory, and Black Feminism Theory as a conceptual framework, this qualitative research explored the role of race, class, gender, and parental support as contributing factors to the development of participants’ racial consciousness. Utilizing timeline interviews and critical narratives to explore the lived histories of each student and parent participant, data analysis included content coding based on themes that emerged throughout the narrative examination. An analysis of the narratives of student participants revealed the absence of a Black faculty advocate, the burden of microaggressions, and the tension to define what it meant to be Black as important factors in the development of a racial consciousness. Additional findings based on data from the participants’ mothers revealed their reasons for choosing independent schools for their daughters and an emphasis on nurturing Black identity and friendships to help guide them through critical racial experiences. Findings led to important recommendations to improve the educational experiences of Black girls in predominantly white, elite independent schools. These findings also indicated a need for further study of the experiences of the Black girl middle school experience in predominantly white, elite, independent schools.

I början av 1990-talet så genomförde den borgerliga regeringen friskolereformen vilket in-nebar att det statliga monopolet upplöstes och att fristående skolor kunde konkurrera på samma villkor som kommunala skolor. Detta medförde att det ekonomiska ansvaret för gymnasieskolan övertogs av respektive kommun och att skolpengen infördes. Reformen har inneburit ökat antal skolor och hårdare konkurrens. Detta tillsammans med minskat elevan-tal har pressat skolorna till att optimera sin marknadsföring för att attrahera elever. Syftet med uppsatsen är att beskriva och analysera om det finns någon skillnad i hur kommunala respektive fristående gymnasieskolor arbetar med marknadsföring. Samt att undersöka hur deras syn på dagens skolmarknad ser ut. För att ta reda på detta har vi intervjuat företrädare för fyra stycken kommunala och fyra fristående skolor i Stockholms län. Vi har även valt att göra observationer på Gymnasiemässan 2010. Undersökningen har visat att Öppet hus och gymnasiemässan är viktiga mötesplatser för att skapa långsiktiga relationer till eleverna. Det har även visat sig att skillnaden mellan vad skolorna kommunicerar inte beror på vilken huvudman skolan tillhör. Två av de kommunala skolorna hade problem med att anpassa sig till nyare teknologi och nyare kommunikationskanaler jämfört med två av de fristående sko-lorna som var i framkant när det gäller kommunikationskanaler. De fristående skolorna var alla överens om att det var viktigt att skydda sig mot konkurrensen genom att differentiera sig på dagens marknad. / In the beginning of the 1990’s, the Swedish government changed the rules on the school mar-ket by implementing a school reform. The reform made it possible for private actors to com-pete on the market along with the municipal schools on equal terms. The economic responsi-bility for the schools was held by the county. The reform made entry to the market easy which has led to hardened competition. By present time it is clear that the number of pupils is de-creasing. As a result, this forces the schools into optimising their marketing to attract pupils. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse whether there is any difference in how municipal schools and independent schools conduct their marketing, and how their perception of the schoolmarket is. To study this we have made four interviews with municipal schools and four interviews with independent schools in the county of Stockholm. We have also made an observation on Gymnasiemässan (high school fair at the event hall “Stockholmsmässan”). The conclusion of the study is that to create a long term relationship with the pupils it is nec-essary to use Öppet hus (when schools invite parents and pupils to experience the school) at the schools and to attend on the High school fair. The message communicated by the schools does not differentiate depending if the school is independent or municipal. Two of the munic-ipal schools were having a problem with adapting to newer technology and newer channels of communication, compared to two of the independent schools who were in a leading position in ways of channel communication. All of the independent schools did agree upon the neces-sity to differentiate on today’s market to be protected from the competition.

This study explores the interconnectedness of social class, education, and cultural capital. Considered academically elite, the independent school is be an ideal environment to find increased instances and opportunities for the acquisition and reproduction of elite, or "dominant" cultural capital. By implementing an ethnographic approach within an independent school setting, this study attempts to illuminate the student experience through adolescents' eyes. Past cultural capital studies focus on the relationship between cultural capital and academic achievement and/or social reproduction; instead, this study focuses on the everyday student experiences as they point to potential indicators of cultural capital. Results suggest that students' perception of 'place' is primarily defined by the presence or absence of money. Overall, the students interviewed expressed contradictory feelings towards having money, rejecting and distancing themselves from some of the advantages associated with wealth while accepting and welcoming other aspects.

M.Phil (Sport Management) / Physical Education and sport has a natural place in education whether the approach is formal or informal. Providing learners with the opportunity to play sport at school and to participate in Physical Education ensure that they receive education that addresses the body, mind and spirit. Participation in sport and physical activities in the education environment involves, next to enjoyment, a range of risks. Unfortunately, incidents of injuries and accidents that could have been prevented do occur. These may lead to allegations ofnegligence on the part of a coach, official or even a spectator. It is an educator's duty to ensure that in all matters pertaining to children, including participation in sport and physical activities, the principle of acting in the best interests of the child must take precedence. Proper safety practices and procedures should be implemented by the educator and the school in order to prevent injuries. Risk management is one of the methods by which sport educators can provide the safest possible environment for their participants. This is necessary not only to comply with legal requirements but also to demonstrate sound educational principles that support learnercentered education. This study sought to identify the key problems surrounding the safety of learners engaged in physical activities in the context of sport, Physical Education and recreation in South African independent schools. It analyzed the .qualifications and experience of sport and Physical Education teachers as well as educators' knowledge of risk management practices. An assessment was made about the extent to which risk management procedures were implemented in various schools in order to prevent injuries from occurring.. The study was conducted from a positivistic paradigm and the design comprised a survey. The primary data was gathered by the use of a questionnaire. Secondary data was obtained using literature studies describing risk management, the law in sport and education as well as the management ofsport in schools. The study has established that in general, safety practices and procedures at independent schools in Gauteng are implemented in a prudent and responsible manner. In some schools and with some aspects improvements can still be made but the overall status appears professional and promising. It has been established that independent schools demonstrate good practice with regard to the aspects of insurance, safety measures, supervision of staff members and learners, instruction, equipment, facilities, policies and procedures...

In keeping with international trends in education, South Africa has embraced inclusive education as the means by which diverse learners, including those who experience barriers to learning, should be educated. Premised on the need for schools to change and become responsive to diverse learners by offering the support necessary for access and participation, inclusion is beginning to be realised in South African schools. Independent schools comprise a small but significant sector in South African education, and, despite not having access to state resources, are implementing inclusive education. This study investigates the schools belonging to the oldest and largest independent schools' association, the Independent Schools' Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) to establish the extent to which learners who experience barriers to learning are included in ISASA schools and the practices that facilitate their inclusion. Data gathered from a self-administered questionnaire completed by principals of ISASA schools reveals that the majority of ISASA schools include at least some learners who experience intrinsic or extrinsic barriers to learning. The most common intrinsic barriers are AD(H)D and learning disability and the most common extrinsic barriers are family problems and language barriers. Support for these learners is provided at school-wide and classroom level through the implementation of various inclusive practices that have been described in the international literature on inclusion and in local policy and guideline documents. These include developing policies that guide the support of learners who experience barriers to learning; ensuring that personnel are available to provide appropriate support; harnessing support for learners, their parents and teachers both from within the school and from the wider community; ensuring wheelchair access and employing classroom and other strategies that facilitate access and participation. ISASA schools differ in the extent to which they are inclusive. A few are not inclusive at all, but most are showing progress and commitment to inclusion. In so doing, these schools are implementing ISASA's Diversity and Equity Policy that requires member schools to be inclusive of learners who experience barriers to learning wherever this is feasible educationally, and also realising Constitutional values of equality, dignity and freedom of discrimination. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

In this study the ownership, governance and funding of schools in South Africa are examined in time perspective in order to show the development of the above-mentioned aspects in South Africa through the ages, and to provide recommendations for the future. In the historical survey the ownership, governance and funding of schools in South Africa from 1652 to 2004 are indicated. This has been done for the Whites, Coloureds, Indians and Blacks. The historical pattern of the provision of education in South Africa has often changed during the period under discussion. The education of Whites, Coloureds, Indians and Blacks was provided, and funded separately (1652 to 1993). Imbalances and inequities were common phenomena. Attempts to address the above issues (1994 to 2004) are also indicated. Finally, some recommendations for redressing the present imbalances and inequities with regard to the above three aspects are provided. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (History of Education)

In the beginning of the 1990s the responsibility for the schools shifted from the government to the local authorities. This started an era with a freedom of choice for students where they themselves could choose which school to go to. The new system also opened up the possibility for independent private schools to exist side by side with local authority held schools. The overall aim of this study is to determine the factors that affect the location of these independent schools and the geographical pattern these independent schools create. The study in this paper is based on materials from statistics and interviews. The statistics is from SCB (Statistics Sweden), Skolverket (a government agency that work for the Ministry of Education) and Skolinspektionen (a government agency that supervises that schools follow laws and regulations) and the interviews are with principals and owners of independent schools and representatives from Skolverket, Skolinspektionen and Friskolornas riksförbund (The national association for independent schools). Since the 1990s the independent schools have become nearly as many as the local authority held schools, but are concentrated to 41 percent of Sweden’s municipalities. When comparing this to the local authority held schools that are in 96 percent of Sweden’s municipalities means that the independent schools are in high numbers in a few municipalities. The study shows a geographical pattern of independent schools mainly in large cities. In this paper I examine if the concentration of independent schools in a small part of Sweden’s municipalities is due to political reasons or economical reasons. In conclusion the study indicates that economical factors is the main reasons for their geographical location. The main reasons for locating in urban areas are based on the number of students, diversity, opportunity, and the closeness to universities but also the closeness to entertainment as cafés.