Inclusive Education in Latvia – Present and Future

Mudite Reigase, Head of Special Education Unit, mudite.reigase@visc.gov.lv

28.05.2015., Riga

Guidelines for the Development of Education 2014-2020 (22.05.2014)

• Education is important for everyone, the family, the community and the country as a whole. It is the path to quality of life of the individual, the knowledge society and national economic growth and prosperity.

• Investment in education and lifelong learning is an essential precondition for the promotion of economic development and national competitiveness, as well as basis for reaching higher level of wellbeing

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Guidelines for the Development of Education 2014-2020 (22.05.2014)

• In 21st century education is lifelong, and it is a part of our everyday lives – deliberate choice and satisfaction; to know and be able to do more, quicker, more accurately; to learn and study with the understanding and pleasure, to learn from each other, regardless of the social, economic or health status; to learn in an environment adapted to individual requirements, using advanced educational materials.

• Latvia aspires to achieve such education in the next few years.

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Overall goal of the Guidelines

- qualitative and inclusive education for the development of personality, prosperity of citizens and sustainable growth of the country

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Inclusive Education

Defined in the Guidelines as:the process where all diverse needs of learners are met by increasing participation opportunities in learning, culture and different communities and by eliminating exclusion within and from education

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Guidelines are developed on the basis of EU and international documents:•Strategic framework – Education & Training 2020 (EC, 2009)

•Council Conclusions on the Social Dimension of Education and Training (Council of Ministers,2010)

• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006)

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Number of learners with special needs in special and mainstream schools

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Council of EU Meeting Conclusions, May 18th-19th, 2015, Brussels

• The role of early childhood education and primary education in fostering creativity, innovation and digital competence.

• Stressed the importance of young people being equipped with skills needed to meet the challenges of an increasingly digital economy and society.

• Emphasized the part which creativity, innovation and digital resources can play in the learning process itself.

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Thank you for your attention!

28.05.2015., Riga