International Conference "Inclusive Education in Europe"
Lun, 18/11/2013
The European Agency for Development in Special Special Needs Education is organizing an international conference on “Inclusive Education in Europe” on 18th November 2013 in Brussels.
The aims of the conference will be, first of all, to present what the European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education (European Agency) has done so far, as well as what it plans to do in the near future. Secondly, the conference aims to consider to what extent the European Agency’s work supports countries in establishing and implementing inclusive education systems.
The conference comprises two parts. In the first part, the summary of the work conducted and the main results achieved by the European Agency until 2013 will be presented via a keynote presentation regarding the main issues to be taken into consideration as far as inclusive education is concerned.
Within the second part of the conference, five key messages will be presented and debated in groups. The purpose will not be to present projects, but to present and discuss, from different points of view, key transversal messages for supporting inclusive education that can be found in different projects conducted by the European Agency.
- > Key message one: ‘As early as possible’
Detection and intervention as early as possible: the key role of assessment; positive impact of proactive measures; reduction of school drop-out rates; supporting transition measures between the different phases within education and from education to employment at an early stage.
- > Key message two: ‘Inclusive education benefits all’
The positive educational and social impact of inclusive education: taking a learner centred approach, respect of differences, taking into account learners and families’ views and wishes.
- > Key message three: ‘Highly qualified professionals’
The importance of having highly qualified professionals in general and teachers in particular; the requisite profile of teachers and other professionals – competences and attitudes; networking and co-ordination of professionals.
- > Key message four: ‘Support systems and funding mechanisms’
The need for well established support systems and related funding mechanisms: clear roles for and co-ordination between services; adequate provision of financial support.
- > Key message five: ‘Reliable data’
The important role played by data; real value of available data; benefits and limitations of data collection methods.
Attached you find the draft Agenda of the conference
