Log In 
Dialogue
Every Child Has the Right to Succeed – What Can Latvia Learn from Sweden’s Inclusive Education?
Christiane Candella, “Dibber” Educational Consultant-Curriculum & Pedagogy
In Latvia, approximately 20,000 students with special needs study in mainstream schools, in addition to the 39 special education schools. Since inclusive education was defined as a priority, the number of students with special needs in general education schools has significantly increased, while the number in special schools has decreased. A similar trend can be seen in Sweden, where the emphasis is that every child has the right to succeed. Sweden’s example shows that implementing inclusive education does not necessarily require massive investments. Moreover, the earlier it is recognized that a child needs additional support, the sooner it can be addressed.
Identifying Learning Difficulties Early
Sweden, too, faces challenges in implementing inclusive education—not all cases of learning difficulties are identified early enough. Additionally, there are situations where some parents object to integrating children with special needs into mainstream classrooms. However, the overarching belief remains that all children should have the opportunity to learn and achieve success, and it is the responsibility of preschools and schools to adapt to students’ needs rather than expecting students to fit into rigid educational frameworks.
Practical Solutions Without Major Investments
One of the cornerstones of Sweden’s education system is inclusive education, which ensures that children have the right to attend mainstream schools regardless of intellectual abilities, except in cases of severe developmental disorders. If a child’s intellectual quotient (IQ) is 70 or higher, every effort is made to enable the child to attend a regular school or preschool. For children with more severe developmental issues, there are specialized schools with tailored curricula and dedicated support.
It is important to understand that such inclusive education can be implemented without enormous investments. By creating a structure of support where the students can attend lessons in the regular classroom but also receive specialized instruction, schools can create an inclusive environment that all students benefit from. In addition, using learning tools such as visuals and other support structures to create a learning environment that facilitates more students to meet their full potential. This significantly improves communication and reduces stress. Implementing such systems does not require complex technology or large budgets, making it possible for nearly any special education institution to adopt them.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging
When discussing inclusive education and the integration of different students into general education schools, two key approaches are applied in Sweden: “withdrawal” and “inclusion”. In the case of “withdrawal,” a student with learning difficulties is temporarily removed from the classroom for individual lessons or smaller group sessions to strengthen, for example, language or math skills. In the case of “inclusion,” additional support staff, such as assistants or special education teachers, work with the student within the classroom. This approach allows the student to stay with their peers, fostering a sense of belonging, reducing isolation, and encouraging friendships.
Recognizing the Need for Support – A Gateway to Resources
A crucial aspect of the inclusive education process is open dialogue with parents. Swedish experience shows that some parents initially resist the recognition of their child’s special needs, fearing stigmatization and stereotypes. However, it is essential to understand that acknowledging special needs is not a lifetime label—it is the gateway to accessing resources and support that can help improve the child’s learning outcomes and facilitate their integration into school and society.
Building a Stronger and More Compassionate Society
It is important to recognize that inclusive education not only supports the development of children with special needs but also enhances empathy, understanding, and cooperation skills among other students. Inclusive education helps create a stronger, more compassionate society by preparing students for life outside of school, where they will encounter diverse people and situations. A school is not an isolated environment—it is a mirror of society. By learning to embrace diversity, children acquire essential life skills.
The implementation of inclusive education takes time and collaboration. It is crucial for teachers, students, and parents to be involved in discussions and to understand why these changes matter. Only through consistent effort and gradual changes can an inclusive environment be created—one where every child feels valued, belongs, and has the opportunity to develop their skills. Sweden’s experience demonstrates that positive societal changes can be achieved through small but purposeful steps.