Inclusive education and its implementation: International practices

Research problem. There is a big demand for high level competencies in an increasingly knowledge driven society. Ensuring that each individual has an equal opportunity for educational progress is a challenge worldwide; inclusive education is a question of equity and a premise for active contribution to society by all people, included the weakest. Inclusive schools work to ensure full participation and access to quality learning opportunities for all learners, respecting and valuing diversity, and fighting discrimination in and through education. The aim of this paper is to study and select the best strategies for empowerment, talent development and raising achievement of all students, including the students with disabilities and special education needs. It explores the area of educational measures both for talented learners, and for upskilling staff to address a heterogeneous student population. Research methods: The methodology implies the use of authoritative studies and of official documents from national, and the International Bodies, linking them to the author’s personal experience in teaching and in project management, especially keeping in mind the inclusive tradition in Italy. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (art.24) stipulates that countries must take steps to ensure that persons with disabilities can access an inclusive primary and secondary education on an equal basis with others in the communities in which they live. Conclusions and recommendations. We need to understand the importance of inclusivity, to widen the empirical research, to develop, and implement measures to capture the learners’ potential, their academic, and personal development, improving teaching strategies, and guidance. Families and society also make a contribution. It is a challenging task, where teachers play a key role in innovative school systems. The results of the study can be used in policy making, curricula development, teaching programs, and improving the quality of education for all learners.