Inclusive education in Switzerland: The failure of 'made-to-measure' and the trap of 'off-the-rack'

Switzerland's commitment to inclusive education, aiming to welcome every child's uniqueness, is facing a significant crisis. The system's initial promise of personalized "made-to-measure" education has proven unsustainable, leading to a move towards a more standardized, "off-the-rack" approach.

This shift is largely a response to a surge in behavioral disorders and deteriorating mental health among students, compounded by existing learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD. Teachers are reportedly exhausted by the demands of individualizing education for every student, a pursuit deemed an "illusion" by critics who argue it leads to student labeling and administrative overload.

In the canton of Vaud, authorities are implementing an emergency action plan to address this reality. State Councilor Frédéric Borloz acknowledged the need to move away from the "bottomless pit" of "made-to-measure" education, where parents often feel their child is not receiving adequate attention. The state is now leaning towards a "ready-to-wear" model, which includes a discreet reintroduction of separation within mainstream settings.

The debate often gets bogged down in arguments about insufficient funding, but proponents of the shift argue that resources have actually increased. The focus, they contend, should be on pragmatism: supporting those who genuinely need it without lowering standards for others. This pragmatic approach was recently underscored by a cantonal court ruling that criticized the widespread practice of granting extra exam time to entire classes, deeming it a violation of equal treatment principles. The court argued that giving everyone more time doesn't compensate for specific needs; it merely shifts the norm, disadvantaging students with learning challenges.