May 1, 2008
Changes in a student’s routine, such as the journey from primary to secondary school, can be rocky. For students with disabilities and for English language learners, these transitions can mean the difference between success and failure. This was just one topic discussed during a recent study tour at EDC involving education policymakers and practitioners from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Their 10-day visit, which focused on promoting inclusive education policies and practices, featured meetings with U.S. education experts, school leaders, and NGOs. The tour was organized by the Irish Institute at Boston College.
“As in the United States, schools in Ireland are trying to address how best to include non-traditional students, whether religious minorities or those with learning and physical challenges. Our meeting was a fantastic opportunity for meaningful exchange on a topic that is relevant to societies everywhere,” says Irish Institute Director Niamh Lynch.
The visit coincided with the seventh annual Inclusive Schools Week program, an initiative of EDC and its Urban Special Education Leadership Collaborative.
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