Voices into Action (VIA) Toolkit

A digital resource supporting learner and family participation in educational decision-making

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Poland

Including learner voices in consultation for inclusive education

About:

The Ministry of National Education’s Department of Education and Inclusive Education worked with a non-governmental organisation called the Innopolis Foundation to arrange an online meeting with over 120 learners of various ages, including those with disabilities. The aim was to directly consult learners about changes proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science (MEiN) to improve the quality of inclusive education across the country.

Learners came from nursery schools, primary schools and secondary schools. In addition, moderators (professional youth workers) and nursery school teachers took part in the meeting (primary and secondary school learners spoke on their own). The meeting was also attended by MEiN representatives and experts working on draft assumptions for legislative changes.

The Innopolis Foundation took care of learner recruitment, obtaining parental consent, moderating the discussion and preparing materials adapted to the learners’ age and psychophysical abilities. The whole meeting (apart from the moderators’ questions) was entirely devoted to learners, so it was based on their inputs. As this was an online meeting, the input was oral.

Outcomes:

Thanks to this meeting, the Ministry was able to capture learners’ views on the proposed changes. The discussion clarified that the learners:

  • recognise the diversity of learners’ learning and development needs at each stage of education;
  • see a need for a school/nursery school where there is a good atmosphere and all learners feel comfortable;
  • consider that it is the task of schools to prepare for life in a diverse society;
  • expect assessment that supports learning and does not create a hierarchy of learner;
  • see the need for appropriate adaptation of teaching methods and aids to work with a diverse school/nursery school unit;
  • see the benefits of learning together in a diverse environment.

The learners’ views influenced the draft legislation, particularly those concerning the scope and organisation of specialised support and participation in the process of education, upbringing and care. The law is in the legislative process, and during public consultations learners will have chances to share their opinions on the proposed regulations. The MEiN plans to conduct similar consultations in the future.

Key element(s) of the VIA Framework:

This example effectively illustrates VOICE and AUDIENCE. The online consultation meeting was prepared with learner needs and perspectives in mind. Rather than imposing a highly structured format, the moderators gave learners open-ended opportunities to express their voices. The online, remote format enabled a flexible approach and large capacity. The Ministry was also resourceful in consulting a non-governmental organisation with expertise in the subject area to conduct the meeting, but still made sure that Ministry representatives attended and listened to the voices.