Policies for Minority Education

Résumé du livre

This document examines and compares how policies for minority education in Great Britain and Sweden have developed over the last 25 years. The term "policy" is used here broadly and includes not only central but also regional decisions, and written documents as well as administration, interpretation, and application of policies. The research shows that during the initial stage the authorities in both countries encouraged immigration and only later realized the implications for the education systems. Both countries have emphasized the acquisition of the majority language by the minorities. In Sweden, the role of the mother tongue in education is a major issue and all children are entitled to mother tongue teaching. In Great Britain, however, the mother tongues of the minorities have normally not been included in the curriculum, although some projects have started during the last few years. Multicultural aspects of education for all children have been more emphasized in Great Britain than in Sweden. Within the devolved British education system local policy patterns have developed differently, whereas in Sweden the policy pattern is more uniform. And finally, a trend toward policies for minority education on a supernational level in Europe has been observed in the European Economic Community Directive on education of migrant workers' children. (KH)