European Sociological Association Sociology of Education Research Network 10 presents
Inclusive Education and Society in a Time of Change: Theories, Policies and Practices
Topics covered include:
1.Gender and Teacher Education
2. Migration, Education and Belonging
3. Inclusive Practices in Higher Education
Keynotes by Professor João Sebastião (University Institute of Lisbon) and Professor Louise Archer (University College London). Full conference programme is here. Recordings of these two sessions are here and here
The conference was opened by the Provost of Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Patrick Prendergast and a copy of his talk is available here.
Synopsis:
Inclusive education addresses and responds to the diversity of needs of learners and involves removing barriers so that each learner will be enabled to achieve the maximum benefit from his/her education and training in a primary, secondary or tertiary education context. Important progress has been made by schools, curriculum developers, educational leaders and governments to develop inclusive educational systems, policies and practices addressing the needs of learners from different cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic backgrounds and those with learning disabilities. However, countries differ in their levels of inclusivity and there are also important within-country differences regarding individual groups and learners in society. In addition, the current Brexit deliberations also challenge inclusivity and access to education and funding opportunities. Inclusive curricula and educational approaches are likely to lead to a sense of community and belonging amongst children/students/adults, and foster participation and active engagement which in turn can enhance educational attainment. This conference aims to explore all issues related to inclusive education in the broadest sense including education for migrant and refugee children/students/adults, as well as education for children/students/adults with disabilities. Contributions focus on all education phases (pre-school/ primary/secondary/higher education).