Swedish schools revive controversial special-needs groups

A proposed change in Sweden’s education system would allow more children struggling in mainstream classrooms to receive support in smaller, separate groups, public broadcaster SVT reports.

Supporters argue the reform would provide overdue assistance to students who need extra help, but critics warn it risks reviving the obs-klass system—a once-common practice of segregating underperforming pupils that was largely phased out.

The shift comes amid broader debates over equity and resource allocation in Swedish schools, with the policy set to take effect during the 2026 election year.