Ustvarjanje inkluzivnih šolskih okolij

With the project, we aimed to improve the quality of work and practices in all three partner institutions and create a tool that allows schools to self-evaluate and develop an inclusive environmen...

With the project, we aimed to improve the quality of work and practices in all three partner institutions and create a tool that allows schools to self-evaluate and develop an inclusive environment. Our goal was to equip educational, professional, and leadership staff with theoretical knowledge and practical guidelines for more effective inclusion. We developed three main outcomes: a self-evaluation questionnaire, a manual with recommendations, and a web application for calculating the inclusion index, tailored to the needs of schools. We based our work on the existing inclusion index (Booth & Ainscow) and simplified it for wider use. At the same time, we wanted to identify factors that promote or hinder the inclusion of students with special needs and raise awareness among decision-makers and the public about the importance of inclusive education—where every student can develop their potential, parents are involved, and professionals are supported with tools that enable true inclusion. The project directly addresses Erasmus+ priorities—support for teachers, diversity, equity, and innovative teaching approaches.

The project was divided into three work packages: management, development of questionnaires, and preparation of a manual. In the first, we established effective coordination, conducted online project meetings, and created a shared digital platform for exchanging materials. We also held several content meetings in partner countries. The Serbian partner led the preparation, translation, and pilot testing of self-evaluation questionnaires for students, parents, staff, and school leadership, conducted at partner institutions and additional regular schools of various types. The Macedonian partner coordinated the preparation of the manual, collected examples of good practices, and translated them into five languages. We upgraded the project by conducting focus groups, which provided in-depth insights into inclusive practices, and by developing an innovative online calculator for calculating the inclusion index. Final hybrid roundtables in all three countries brought together teachers, parents, decision-makers, and media, contributing to broader recognition and lasting usability of the project's results.