Romania is aiming at modernising its education system. However, this process is advancing slowly. Spending on education remains low, especially in pre-school and school education; this affects the quality of the education system. Thus, early school leaving, the rural-urban gap and Roma and SEN children inclusion remain challenges (E.C, 2018a).
The EU average of low achievers in all three domains combined is 12.3 %. Romania has higher percentages of low achievement, with levels around 24 %. By failing to meet the minimum standards required, these students are most likely to face serious problems in their further education, on the labour market and later in life. Source: OECD, (2016) PISA 2015
A small number of schools have become inclusive schools since the 1990s. In Romania, children with disabilities have access to several types of schools depending on the severity of their disability. Children having minor, mild or moderate disabilities, learning difficulties, speech or behavioural disorders can access mainstream schools which provide them with support. Special schools (which include children with severe disabilities) are organised according to the type of disability: motor, mental, hearing or sight. The Commission for child’s protection ensures the identification of disability.
The children from special schools can follow a mainstream, adapted or SEN curriculum. The duration of schooling can differ: for instance 9-10 years for mentally disabled.
Source: https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu
The SMILE Project is:
