Representatives from five countries gathered in Madrid, Spain, on 15–17 October 2024 for a peer-learning activity. The event was part of the Agency’s Thematic Country Cluster Activities (TCCA) Cluster 6, which focuses on developing a multi-level, multi-stakeholder quality assurance and monitoring and accountability (QAMA).
Spain hosted the event, which Austria co-developed. Three Agency team members and twelve country representatives from Austria, Belgium (Flemish community), Greece, Spain and United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) participated.
The event marked the culmination of the first year’s work on the QAMA activity. Each country presented on an aspect of quality assurance and accountability related to their own context. These included exploring curricular issues; shared responsibility and accountability; and quality assurance and accountability in implementing inclusive measures in mainstream education. The presentations led to in-depth discussions on the differences and similarities between country systems, and the challenges encountered in quality assurance processes at school, regional and national levels.
During the event, participants visited Colegio Público El Sol, a unique school in Madrid that exemplifies inclusive education. The school integrates learners with hearing impairment and other additional needs with hearing learners from the local area. All learners and staff communicate in sign language, as well as through visual and oral language, creating a positive and effective inclusive environment. This visit gave participants a profound understanding of the reality of inclusive education, particularly for those who work more around policy and theory.
The visit to Madrid contributed to the cluster team building and gave participants fresh ideas to move forward with this Agency activity. In particular, the team will use the findings from the discussions in its work to develop a multi-level, multi-stakeholder quality assurance and monitoring and accountability framework. A follow-up peer-learning activity is planned for spring 2025.
The TCCA web area provides more information on the work.
