Inequality decisions and accounts: the case of tracking in a Swiss elementary school

Abstract

"Decision making in terms of grading and evaluating students significantly contributes to unequal opportunities. In Switzerland, this particularly holds true for the transition from elementary school to the stratified system of secondary schools which often is determined by school authori-ties. Based on the case study of an elementary school in German Switzerland, this contribution explores accounts to which these decisions are related. Two types of accounts have to be taken into consideration: One type refers to a student’s performance. This type of account is documented in a rather technical way. It aims at strengthening the procedural rationality of the decision making process. Another type of accounts is based on material considerations. It refers to decision effects on individual cases. This type of account is communicated to parents in order to achieve consent. The case illustrates that discriminatory decision making can be related to highly institutionalised accounts." [author's abstract]