Over two hundred teachers and university students participate in the meeting on Inclusive Education on São Miguel Island this Saturday, an international event where the conclusions of a scientific study carried out in the Azores on this topic will be presented.

The opening session of the meeting, which takes place at the auditorium of the Roberto Ivens Basic Education School in Ponta Delgada, will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Education and Training, Lina Mendes.

The project on “Assessment of Inclusive Education in the Azores” (Avaliação da Educação Inclusiva nos Açores) is the result of a protocol signed between the Regional Directorate for Education and Training, the Regional Directorate for Youth, the University of the Azores and of Leipzig (Germany) in November 2006.

The main purpose of this scientific study, conducted between 2007 and 2008, is to carry out the survey of the organisational structures deemed necessary to achieve a successful education for all students in order to improve the teaching quality standards in the Archipelago.

The launch of a DVD containing the good practices, the presentation of an electronic platform and of inclusive platform to support communication and literacy will be included in the event’s programme.

Professor Thomas Hofsäss from the University of Leipzig will present a lecture on “Inclusive Education in the Azores in the European context” (Educacão Inclusiva nos Açores no contexto europeu) whilst Professor David Robinson from the Technical University of Lisbon will address the issue “Quality and Inclusive Education” (Qualidade e Educação Inclusiva).

The SIMICOLE-P project created by Dr. Conceição Medeiros to provide a more effective work with deaf students and children with reading difficulties will be presented during the International Meeting. 

A new book by Susana Margarido titled “Sou Diferente, sou fantástico!” (I am different, I am fantastic!) will be launched at the same time.

The closing session is scheduled for 5 PM and will count upon the presence of the Regional Director for Education and Training, Fabíola Cardoso.