An online stakeholder data collection has taken place as part of the ‘Addressing Regional Disparities in the Czech Education System’ action in the Czech Republic. The action, which aims to promote more inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all learners in the Czech Republic, is supported by the European Union’s Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP). It is being implemented in co‑operation with the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM).
Between December 2020 and early February 2021, the Agency conducted a series of online data collection interviews and focus groups to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on overall goals for learners in the Czech Republic. The online meetings were facilitated by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MŠMT) and regional representatives, who made it possible to reach and engage with stakeholders despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
In total, 31 interviews and 12 focus groups directly engaged over 120 stakeholders in discussions. These stakeholders included learners, parents, teachers and school leaders from mainstream and special schools, local support staff and representatives from national authorities, national institutions, local and regional governments, support organisations, universities and non-governmental organisations. A wider stakeholder survey provided additional input from stakeholders who could not participate in the online meetings.
A report on the analysis findings will reflect on the strengths and challenges of measures to promote more inclusive and equitable learning opportunities in the Karlovarský and Ústecký regions. The report will then inform a set of recommendations and priority actions that will be presented to the MŠMT and key stakeholders later this year.