1. Inclusive Education in Latvia – Present and Future Mudite Reigase, Head of Special Education Unit, mudite.reigase@visc.gov.lv 28.05.2015., Riga

2. Guidelines for the Development of Education 2014-2020 (22.05.2014) Education is important for everyone, the family, the community and the country as a whole. It is the path to quality of life of the individual, the knowledge society and national economic growth and prosperity. Investment in education and lifelong learning is an essential precondition for the promotion of economic development and national competitiveness, as well as basis for reaching higher level of wellbeing 28.05.2015.ICT4IAL 2

3. Guidelines for the Development of Education 2014-2020 (22.05.2014) In 21st century education is lifelong, and it is a part of our everyday lives – deliberate choice and satisfaction; to know and be able to do more, quicker, more accurately; to learn and study with the understanding and pleasure, to learn from each other, regardless of the social, economic or health status; to learn in an environment adapted to individual requirements, using advanced educational materials. Latvia aspires to achieve such education in the next few years. 28.05.2015.ICT4IAL 3

4. Overall goal of the Guidelines - qualitative and inclusive education for the development of personality, prosperity of citizens and sustainable growth of the country 28.05.2015.ICT4IAL 4

5. Inclusive Education Defined in the Guidelines as: the process where all diverse needs of learners are met by increasing participation opportunities in learning, culture and different communities and by eliminating exclusion within and from education 28.05.2015.ICT4IAL 5

6. Guidelines are developed on the basis of EU and international documents: Strategic framework – Education & Training 2020 (EC, 2009) Council Conclusions on the Social Dimension of Education and Training (Council of Ministers,2010) UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) 28.05.2015.ICT4IAL 6

7. 28.05.2015.ICT4IAL 7

8. Number of learners with special needs in special and mainstream schools 28.05.2015.ICT4IAL 8

9. Council of EU Meeting Conclusions, May 18th-19th, 2015, Brussels The role of early childhood education and primary education in fostering creativity, innovation and digital competence. Stressed the importance of young people being equipped with skills needed to meet the challenges of an increasingly digital economy and society. Emphasized the part which creativity, innovation and digital resources can play in the learning process itself. 28.05.2015.ICT4IAL 9

10. Thank you for your attention! 28.05.2015., Riga