BREAKING BARRIERS

Results

The project Breaking Barriers aimed to find ways to implement real changes in inclusive education, looking for opportunities and cooperation partners from Latvia, Finland and Estonia. The practical solution on how to improve inclusive education services into day-to-day education services and practices was worked out: a multi-tiered support system has been established in the educational institutions, which promotes the healthy development of each student in an inclusive and positive learning environment, meets the needs of each student, and provides systematic pedagogical, psychological, and social support; a precisely structured support team works in educational institutions: – 1st level- Daily support for the learner to achieve his/her learning goals; – 2nd level – Individualized support available in the classroom for overcoming the learner’s learning difficulties; – 3rd level – Intensive individual support.

Jointly developed and tested methodology (guidelines) for teachers and parents. The guidelines include practical solutions leading to improvement in day-to-day education services, flexible approaches that can be customised and adjusted for individual needs.

Productive and inclusive environments are developed/improved in schools. Estonia – Narva Language Lyceum, Finland – Haaga Lower Secondary School, Vesala Lower Secondary School, Latvia – Ventspils Parventa Elementary School, Ventspils Secondary School Nr6, Ventspils Secondary School Nr.4, 9 preschool educational institutions in Ventspils.

The physical learning environment has improved in our educational institutions. Narva Language Lyceum – adapted classrooms and recreation area, headphones for reducing the noise, calming corners in the classrooms (big pillows). The physical learning environment in Ventspils Parventa Elementary School – relaxing room with the bean bags, the special desk for a student with autistic spectrum disorders; wobbling chairs, the earmuffs for children to reduce the noise. For preschool children – sensory balls to reduce stress and tension. Finland – Dream school as a Treasure map (School community and school as a place).