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 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