This qualitative study investigates, through focus groups, how students in upper secondary school in Norway experience schooling. The background for the study is a tension between measurable outcomes and the educational aim of supporting students' human growth, their "Bildung." As teacher educators, we wanted to learn about situations…

A large number of children are today receiving special education in Norway. The high cost to society and possible long-term consequences for the students make it important to understand the interrelationship of the causes and effects related to receiving special education services. Unfortunately, at present there are only few rigorous studies of…

Describes the enrichment perspective, an alternative or supplementary approach formulated in Norway to the diagnostic-therapeutic model of special education. The enrichment perspective is a strengths- and ability-based model that involves assessment of what both the child and school can do as the basis for adapting learning environments. Examples…