Photo Credit Macrovector
A first step in the implementation of the SMILE project was the desk-based research aiming to reach certain conclusions about education in country, including challenges and policies.
The greatest challenges for the Greek educational system, amidst low funding, are considered to be the education of refugees and inclusive education. Although there are many initiatives and positive steps towards efficient refugee integration such as the upgrade of the working group for the integration of refugees within the Ministry of Education as an autonomous department, there are still many steps to be taken as numerous refugee children lack access to education especially on the islands.
Regarding special education in Greece, the educational system faces multiple challenges also due to general low funding of education. It seems that although there are still many challenges to be faced and room for improvement, the educational context of Greece seems to be in a process of modernization and change especially with regard to intercultural education, inclusive education and adult learning. Out of the different inclusive education models and strategies available, it seems that the most prominent model in Greek schools is the model of “parallel support”. This method is usually used for students who are able to attend the general curriculum with individual support. Due to lack of resources though, it is quite common that parallel support is also used as an inclusive education method with students facing more severe learning difficulties.
Experts in special education as well as experts who work within specialized centers for diagnosis and support of special educational needs are appointed to the headquarters of the Ministry of Education and Religion, to regional Directorates for Education as well as to the directorates of Primary and Secondary education following a regulated procedure for the educational personnel. The teacher of the classroom supervises the activities of the supporting personnel who is hired only when the school does not have a special education teacher.
Furthermore, each school must have its own policy in order to ensure child safeguarding. In every school, the teachers’ board along with the parents’ board and the school community decide on certain measures that ensure the organization of a school environment that is open, supports dialogue and creates trust among teachers and students.
The SMILE Project is: