beyond access: improving roma learning outcomes

Roma Inclusion Seminar

18 June 2013

BEYOND ACCESS: IMPROVING ROMA LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Inclusive legal framework.

• Anti-discriminatory enrollment policy.

• Affirmative action measures.

• Preparatory pre-school program.

• 175 Pedagogical Assistants supporting Roma students.

• Mechanisms for inter-sectoral cooperation functional in

approx. 70% of municipalities.

BUILDING BLOCKS ARE IN PLACE

REDUCING DISPARITY IN PRIMARY ENROLMENT

Primary school enrolment rate

Roma

General population

COMPLETION RATES LAGGING BEHIND

General population timely primary completion rate

Roma primary completion rate

Roma timely primary

completion rate 

92

63

35

General population primary completion rate

100

TOO MANY ROMA ARE FAILING OR FALLING OUT

• Make available a full range of support measures.

• Nurture and support Roma to achieve their full potential.

• Create a school ethos where children feel a sense of belonging.

• Proactively involve Roma parents in school life.

SCHOOLS MUST DO BETTER

• Direct and indirect costs (textbooks, meals, clothes).

• School transportation.

• Greater parental capacities to support the learning process.

• Parents should feel welcomed in the school environment.

FAMILIES NEED MORE SUPPORT

• Fine tuning the legal framework.• Development of a Rulebook on Anti-Discrimination in

education system.• Development of a monitoring Framework for Inclusive

Education.

• Intense observation by independent bodies.

FURTHER STEPS ARE UNDERWAY

BUT MORE IS NEEDED

• Improved cross-sectoral cooperation.• Secure funding for the work of local Inter-sectoral committees.

• Introduce free-of charge kindergarten programs for 3-5 y/o.• Secure better student support (in school and through

community-based services) for those at-risk of dropping out and for low-achievers.

• Improve school culture to be more tolerant, inclusive and to sanction discriminatory behavior.

• Empower Roma parents to support education of their children

Thank you