Slovakia: The end of segregation of Roma pupils in schools
The Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic is bringing a significant shift in helping Roma children in schools by introducing further procedures within the inclusion of Roma pupils. "Together in one bench" (SK - “Spolu v jednej lavici) is historically the first methodological material that brings concrete solutions to school desegregation. The methodological material was created by experts from the Ministry of Education, school heads, teachers, domestic and foreign experts, academics, the Office of the Plenipotentiary of the Government of the Slovak Republic for Roma Communities and representatives of the European Commission. It aims to give every child the same chance of success at school and in life. At the same time, the manual provides specific recommendations, advice and tips for school founders on how to proceed in the desegregation process. The topic of desegregation in education is also part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Slovak Republic.
The methodological material represents the basic framework of measures and recommendations to be implemented in classes, schools, cities or regions. It will be followed by calls for proposals aimed at desegregating increasing the success of pupils from marginalised communities.
The methodological document is divided into three parts. The first part contains an explanation of terminology and approaches related to the topic of inclusion, segregation and desegregation in education.
The second part presents a set of measures and changes to reduce segregation at various levels - from the class level to the regional level. It contains recommendations for classes, schools, municipalities, cities, counties and universities that prepare teachers. It also contains a 9-point desegregation procedure, which is based on both domestic and foreign experience.
In the third part of the document, four case studies from the locations of Bystrany, Plavecký Štvrtok and Nitra, Dobšiná are processed. These are primary schools that have gradually increased the success of their pupils in secondary schools, reduced the drop-out rate or have been able to reach the majority pupils as well. Data from the Office of the Government Plenipotentiary for Roma Communities show that up to 25% of Roma children attend school where all classmates are Roma.
The Ministry of Education has so far introduced a number of measures aimed at increasing the success of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Among others are: the Strategy for Inclusive Approaches in Education and Training and the first action plan for it, a set of rules for schools on how to reduce overcrowding, reimbursing/overpaying children's school clubs and especially the tutoring project "Smarter Together" in which more and more schools are involved.
In the long term, measures such as a change in the content of education or a transformation of the counselling system will follow, which will also help students from disadvantaged backgrounds, for example by the possibility of individualising education for students' needs or eliminating incorrect placement in special schools.
Source: Eurydice Unit Slovakia
