FPIES Country Partner: Italy
The Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) is responsible for general administration at national level. It guarantees the uniformity of national educational provision by laying down, among other things:
- general educational goals;
- specific learning goals based on learners' skills;
- the national curriculum;
- standards related to the quality of educational services;
- general criteria for learner assessment;
- the organisation of adult education.
In particular, the Department for the Education and Training System is responsible for the general organisation of the school system, for defining educational and training objectives and for the legal and economic status of school staff. The Department for Human and Financial Resources is responsible for financing school functioning (general and throughput funding) and implementing plans and regulations related to school buildings and facilities.
For more information about country-specific data on inclusive education from Italy, access the Country information for Italy on the right side of this page.
Partner representatives
- Rosaria Maria Petrella: Rosaria is an Officer for the Division of Pupils with Special Educational Needs. In the FPIES project, she is a Project Advisory Group member.
- Francesca Busceti: Francesca is a Director for School Functioning Resources. In the FPIES project, she is a Country Analyst.
The country study visit to Italy
The role of the Italian Ministry in the FPIES project was to host one of the six country study visits (CSV) involving policy-makers from three of the other five partner countries. The CSV examined in depth the system of financing special needs and inclusive education in Italy and identified features, challenges and opportunities within the model currently in use. A wide range of relevant stakeholders participated in the study visit and discussed the set-up and impact of financing policies in Italy.
Italy has a multi-level framework for administration and governance. This, together with the Local Health Authorities, the regional and territorial offices of the MIUR and the Territorial School Networks, among others, plays a role in financing education.
The general strength of the system discussed by CSV visitors was a clear vision of inclusive education. Efforts have been made to create an inclusive education system at all levels, including a commitment to inclusive education from all stakeholders.
The Country Study Visit Reports and Country Reports from Italy are available for download below.