Talking about inclusive education implies talking about differences: how to deal with differences in schools, in classrooms and in the curriculum in general. The current debate is no longer about what inclusion is and why it is needed; the key question is how it is to be achieved. How to make progress at national level, how to implement the right policy measures at regional and local level, how teachers can best cope with differences in the classroom; these were the key issues during the conference.
This document presents the five relevant messages presented by the Agency and debated in groups during the conference. Participants were invited to contribute to and debate these five key messages:
• As early as possible: the positive impact of early detection and intervention as well as of proactive measures.
• Inclusive education benefits all: the positive educational and social impact of inclusive education.
• Highly qualified professionals: the importance of having highly qualified professionals in general, and teachers in particular.
• Support systems and funding mechanisms: the need for well-established support systems and related funding mechanisms.
• Reliable data: the important role played by data, as well as benefits and limitations of its use.