Addressing the Segregating Effects of School Choice: Parents Organizing for Integration In Copenhagen
Faculty Department
Ed.D.
Presentation Type
Powerpoint
Location
H239
Zoom Link
Start Date
February 2025
End Date
February 2025
Description (Abstract)
Danish folkeskolen are public schools spanning grades 0-9 that allow children to loop with the same students and teachers. In Copenhagen, the folkeskolen are known for supporting integrated classroom communities in diverse but gentrifying areas. Yet, this educational model has been challenged by school choice policies, particularly in Copenhagen with many public and private school options and increasing numbers of immigrant students. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews with 17 white, privileged parents to examine what makes them initially opt into folkeskolen, and what factors contribute to them staying or leaving early for choice options. We found many obstacles to creating long-term school integration, including a domino effect that occurs when parents exit for school choice options in the later elementary years. This phenomenon of choosing then leaving, is what we have called “fragile integration.” Theoretical implications of the fragile integration framework could be applied to other urban contexts.
Keywords
School Choice, Parents, Denmark, School Integration
Related Pillar(s)
Community, Study
Addressing the Segregating Effects of School Choice: Parents Organizing for Integration In Copenhagen
H239
Danish folkeskolen are public schools spanning grades 0-9 that allow children to loop with the same students and teachers. In Copenhagen, the folkeskolen are known for supporting integrated classroom communities in diverse but gentrifying areas. Yet, this educational model has been challenged by school choice policies, particularly in Copenhagen with many public and private school options and increasing numbers of immigrant students. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews with 17 white, privileged parents to examine what makes them initially opt into folkeskolen, and what factors contribute to them staying or leaving early for choice options. We found many obstacles to creating long-term school integration, including a domino effect that occurs when parents exit for school choice options in the later elementary years. This phenomenon of choosing then leaving, is what we have called “fragile integration.” Theoretical implications of the fragile integration framework could be applied to other urban contexts.
Short Biography
Allison Roda, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Education in the Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities Ed.D. program at Molloy University.