Exploring the Support Function "School Host" as Equalizer of Educational Opportunity in the School Environment

• In Event: 41.083 - Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: 41.083-10 - Ecological Perspectives on School Culture and Climate in Socioeconomically and Ethnically Diverse Contexts

Abstract

In this paper a spatial perspective is used to explore the support work of school hosts in the common areas of the school environment aimed at equalizing educational opportunities and preventing social exclusion. Recent investments in student support staff are aimed at improving student care and boosting students’ academic performances. Interviews from two case schools, complemented by observations and documents, were compared in order to determine how the hosts relate to physical, conceived and social spaces in schools. Results show ways in which spatial aspects such as the physical layout of the school enable or limit their work. Their actions are the outcome of the relations between the school environment and their task perceptions. Moreover, they draw upon established relationships.

Authors

• Anneli Frelin, University of Gävle

• Jan Grannas, University of Gavle