An exceptional teacher can make a difference and inspire generations in the practice of inclusive education. This was the conclusion from the Policy team meeting for Inclusive Education, held in Pristina (Kosovo*), on 28th February. The discussion about gaps in inclusive education policy triggered participants to look back on their lifetime experiences and discuss how this issue impacts daily life. Ms. Drita Kadriu, Steering Board member recalled a time when she was a principal in 1993.

" It was a time when a single teacher made the difference: she decided to keep a child with cognitive challenges in her classroom, despite the staff pressure. All peers supported the child, and that was an amazing thing to see", she said.

Ms. Besa Zagragja, from the education inspectorate services, said that teachers rely only on talented and gifted students to organise extra-curricular or open curricula activities. "But", she continued, "they do so because no one has ever asked them to do it differently".

Vocational education representatives emphasised that professional practice is crucial and needs to be supported by businesses and more practice equipment in the schools.

Participants also discussed cooperation between central and local level authorities and teacher education with a focus on pre-service and in-service training.

The children with learning difficulties mostly enrol in vocational schools and according to Mr. Abdurrahman Simnica, their focus should be inclusiveness.

The group suggested some ways of addressing issues of exclusion and agreed to discuss them this week, at the Regional PolicyNet Sarajevo.

Meeting agenda
List of participants
Policy support component
Meeting report