The Christian Democratic Youth League (KDU) is urging Ebba Busch to adopt a stricter discipline model in schools located in disadvantaged areas. The 'no excuses' model, inspired by the UK, emphasizes strict discipline and school uniforms. KDU leader Louise Hammargren believes this approach could help students with immigrant backgrounds catch up academically and assimilate values.
KDU Demands Stricter Discipline in Suburban Schools
KDU Demands Stricter Discipline in Suburban Schools
Schools in disadvantaged areas must implement tougher student discipline. This demand is made by the Christian Democratic Youth League (KDU) to Ebba Busch ahead of the party's national convention this fall.
– This is an issue that politicians are afraid to address, says Louise Hammargren, chairperson of KDU.
The controversial school model 'no excuses', originating from the UK, involves strict student discipline through a so-called consequence ladder and mandatory school uniforms. KDU leader Louise Hammargren wants the model tested in Swedish disadvantaged areas, pointing to examples like Rinkeby, Rosengård, and Bergsjön.
She believes that today's politicians are hesitant to tackle the challenge of students with immigrant backgrounds falling behind.
– Sweden is the best in the world in math and science outside East Asia in eighth grade, if adjusted for immigration. But we have a whole generation of young people without a domestic background or Swedish-speaking parents who are falling behind, and we must help these students. 'No excuses' can be a tool, says Louise Hammargren.
Aiming to 'Value Assimilate' Youth
It's not just about improving results. The purpose of the school model is also to 'value assimilate' young people in immigrant-dense suburbs, according to KDU.
– The Christian Democrats like to talk about Swedish values but lack the school perspective. The school is central to making a value shift, to foster a generation of young people who respect each other and the elderly. We in KDU describe it as value assimilation, says Hammargren.
Ahead of the Christian Democrats' national convention, the party's highest decision-making body, in November, the youth league is pushing for the school model to become the official policy of the Christian Democrats. And for Ebba Busch to advocate for the legalization of 'no excuses' schools.
Currently, the model cannot be fully applied in Sweden, partly because Swedish legislation requires student influence and prohibits mandatory school uniforms.
But Louise Hammargren believes that KDU has a good chance of getting their motion passed.
– I am very much looking forward to Ebba Busch writing an opinion piece about 'no excuses' schools the day after the national convention, she says.