Project SPICES: Supporting Practices for Increased Inclusion in the Czech Republic Educational System

2017

This project's goal is to address the current need in the Czech Republic for effective approaches and strategies to include students with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds in the regular school system and in society, using expertise of UMN project staff. We expect that the workshops we conduct with K-12 teachers in the Czech Republic will enhance their capacity to effectively support the inclusion of diverse groups of children, including those with disabilities in local schools. We also expect that the workshops at MU will enhance the knowledge and understanding of MU faculty & students with respect to: (a) the principles underlying IE including an increased appreciation of all aspects of diversity; (b) formative approaches to assessment that allow for the early identification and monitoring of children with disabilities and who are at risk for poor educational outcomes; and (c) intervention techniques, such as targeted small group instruction, Inclusive Service Learning, and Response to Intervention, to be used in regular classrooms to support all students more effectively. We expect to initiate a dialogue between Centers for Special Education Services in the CR and local public schools. We plan to develop a memorandum of agreement between the UMN and MU to foster ongoing bi-lateral cooperation.

Education & Early Intervention

Professionals and Para-Professionals

None

International

N/A