On 19–20 March 2024, the Agency hosted a peer-learning activity (PLA) at its Brussels Office, as part of the European Commission’s Working Group on Equality and values in education and training.
Peer learning allows experts, policy-makers, researchers and other stakeholders to learn from each other’s experiences and expertise. The PLA in Brussels brought together policy-makers from across Europe, together with representatives from education and youth organisations, the Agency and the European Commission.
Policy development approaches for flexible systems of support
The theme for the first day of the PLA was Policy development approaches for flexible systems of support. Agency Director, Cor J. W. Meijer, and Gyula Cserey, Head of the Strategy and Investment Unit at the Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, gave a welcome address. Professor Roger Slee of the University of Leeds, United Kingdom (England) gave a keynote speech on the barriers faced by learners with disabilities in Australia. He explored some potential methods to overcome those barriers. These methods are relevant to all inclusive education systems, such as working collectively and gathering and using data on exclusion.
Following Professor Slee’s input, participants discussed examples of policy development approaches from Ireland, Iceland and Poland, before taking part in a study visit to two European Schools in Brussels. The schools explained their programmes and initiatives to reduce barriers to learning to the visitors, who had the opportunity to see these initiatives in action.
Policy implementation measures to support learners’ diverse needs
The theme for the second day of the PLA was Policy implementation measures to support learners’ diverse needs. Country examples from Portugal, Sweden, Cyprus and Greece were discussed in groups. A panel discussion on ensuring learner well-being involved representatives of several stakeholder organisations, including Eurochild, COFACE Families Europe, European Disability Forum and European Schoolnet.
The final session on the agenda was a presentation of the Technical Support Instrument, which provided examples of supported opportunities for peer learning around critical policy issues.
The Commission’s Working Groups are contributing to the development of the European Education Area. The Agency is part of three of these Working Groups: Schools, Early childhood education and care, and Equity and values in education and training. The Commission website contains more information on all the Working Groups.