Local autonomy is one of the recent trends in reforms compulsory education. However, several parallel such as individual accountability, performance and visibility challenge professional autonomy. The aim this article to explore how accountability transparency affect teacher Norway Sweden. authors argue that both at local workplace national level embracing teachers a collective group are important analysing teachers' In comparing they differentiate between processes individualisation...

A social democratic, egalitarian public sector and a corporatist political economy have been strong, distinctive enduring characteristics of Norwegian education. However, this article demonstrates that the education has experienced period rapid extensive implementation New Public Management (NPM) reforms post-NPM past 15 years. In contrast to other scholars, who claim NPM is not contested but rather consistently promoted maintained by centre-left governments, we argue from 2005 such...

The main question raised in this article is how educational reforms reflect convergence or divergence between the English, Norwegian and Swedish systems. We claim that answer depends on conceptualised. At level of decisions tools, countries seem more similar than two decades ago. However, to explain policy changes our analytical perspective must be broadened. demonstrate values based different welfare state models, political economies types institutional evolution can processes change...

Collaboration between schools and parents has become increasingly prominent on the political agenda in Norway. Schools are obliged to promote parent–school cooperation accordance with parents' rights as stakeholders education. This article explores governing strategies of seven primary or lower-secondary that have taken initiatives improve collaboration. The main intention is explore how New Public Management (NPM) measures (such market values, decentralization, competition, output control)...

By comparing the implementation of European Qualifications Framework (EQF) in three education systems, this article advances understanding processes and outcomes. The analytical framework combines concepts norm diffusion with institutional, political practical dimensions implementation. Although a certain degree is revealed, we find variety points correspondence between national problem definitions EQF, varying levels stakeholder involvement, as well institutional robustness against full EQF...

In the past few decades, Norway and Sweden, like rest of Western world, have attempted to restructure deregulate education. both countries, established governing models were threatened due lack legitimacy efficiency. This article discusses extent which different explanations stability institutional change address what happened when Management by Objectives Results (MbOR) was introduced in Sweden. However, content course two countries. More specifically, one can talk about processes combining...

How is an independent daily life possible for disabled people when relying upon professional service provision and the bureaucratic gate-keeping systems of welfare state? This article discusses this question in relation to interview study. Eighteen mobility 20 providers one local setting Norway were interviewed. We point out at least three categories regarding how independence interpreted among disabled: super-normal, living activists, those experiencing powerlessness lack support. The...

Lost in transition : Policies to reduce early school leaving and encourage further studying Europe

Low completion rate in upper secondary education is seen as a big problem the Nordic countries. School failure has shown to dramatically increase risks for unemployment and labour market exclusion with severe consequences both society young person. This paper analyses national policy measures combat low rates Norway Sweden, often regarded representing social democratic welfare model universalistic transition regime. The analysis demonstrates that although this issue received extensive...

Despite great attention and numerous efforts across countries to reduce school dropout, it remains a persistent challenge. One such initiative, named New Possibilities, launched by the Norwegian Ministry in 2010, was nationwide, flexible program aimed at providing intensive training poor achievers during last months of 10th grade, before they started upper secondary school. Differentiated analyses grade development indicate that participating students with very lowest grades improved, while...

This article raises two questions: first, which active ageing ideas and policies/programmes can be identified in Norway the UK? Second, do countries act differently, if so why? The analysis is divided into four parts. First, we formulate an institutional framework for analysing policies. We then briefly map demographic social challenges both UK. third part presents empirical description of policies countries. Finally, findings are discussed conclusions drawn. Based on secondary literature...