PhDr. Barbora Bazalová, Ph.D. PhDr. Lucie Procházková, Ph.D. Department of Special Education Faculty of Education, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Special Needs of Pupils in the Context of the Framework Educational Programme for Elementary Education

CodeMSM Identity code Title Special Needs of Pupils in the Context of the Framework Educational Programme for Elementary Education Research Institution Research Institution Masaryk University Masaryk University Place Place Faculty of Education, Masaryk University Main Researcher Main Researcher prof. PhDr. Marie Vítková, CSc. Period Period

The Main Area of the Project A systematic creative activity in the field of integration/inclusion of pupils with special education needs in elementary schools with the emphasis on implementation of the Framework Educational Programme for Elementary Education (EFP EE) and teaching based on School Education Programmes (SEP).

The Aims of the Project Analysis of social determinants in education of pupils with special education needs in the Czech Republic in comparison with the outcomes of foreign studies. Research areas: legislative framework of school integration, support of pupils with special education needs, curriculum, differentiated curriculum, pre and post gradual teacher education.

Analysis of school integration in the Czech Republic focusing on didactical principals, approaches, strategies and conceptions and evaluation of their functioning. Creation of inclusive didactics.

10 Partial Aims of the Research Project Analysis of social determinants of education in our country and abroad (support possibilities, differentiated curriculum, alternative methods, teacher‘s role). Education of pupils with social disadvantage (typology of social environment, social pedagogy, multicultural education). (typology of social environment, social pedagogy, multicultural education).

Education of gifted pupils (applied research, inclusive education). Didactics (to analyse inclusive practice of schools and to evaluate principals into inclusive didactics). Education of pupils with special educational needs focusing on: EA Language and Language Communication (SLD, foreign languages, disturbed communication ability).

EA Mathematics and Its Application (pupils with dyscalculia, education of gifted pupils). EA Man and Nature (educational strategies, preparation of teachers). EA Man and Health (conditions for education of pupils with special educational needs). EA Man and the World of Work (preparation for profession). Drama Education for Pupils with Special Educational Needs (methods, techniques in social pathological features prevention).

Research Teams of the Research Project The research project has been divided into partial research areas to cover all intended research fields as well as to suit the individual researchers. As a result, 14 research teams have been established. Research aims of the teams are specified here:

1. Social Determinants of Inclusive Education Research aim  To analyze social determinants of inclusive education, to compare the situation in selected EU countries, to search factors determining the process of inclusion.  To evaluate the role of social services (including therapies) in the process of inclusive education.

2. Inclusive Education of Pupils with Emotional and Behavioural Disorders Research aim  Empirical research in mainstream schools with focus on: pre-school facilities, pre-school facilities, primary schools, primary schools, counselling services offering preventive educational care and institutional care. counselling services offering preventive educational care and institutional care.

3. Research Focusing on Socially Disadvantaged Groups Research aim  To establish typology of the social environment of primary school pupils.  To propose optimal stimulating and educational approaches leading to meaningful classroom life.

4. Primary School Intervention for Pupils with Health Impairment and Disability Research aim  To analyze current intervention measures in the school practice used with pupils with physical disabilities and health impairment or disability (therapies).

5. Education and Upbringing of Gifted Pupils Research aim  To evaluate current approaches to education and upbringing of gifted and exceptionally gifted pupils in the Czech Republic and abroad.  To analyze available information sources.  To carry out an informative research in selected schools in the Czech Republic.

6. School Curriculum for Elementary Education of Pupils with Special Needs Research aim  To evaluate readiness of schools to educate pupils with special needs.  To offer inclusive methodological approaches to teachers.  To implement the research results to graduate and postgraduate teacher education (school pedagogy, teaching methods).

7. Empirical Research Focusing on Czech Language and Language Communication Research aim  To evaluate the current situation in the Czech language education of pupils with special needs in Brno.  To focus on education of pupils from a foreign language environment.  To focus on language and communicative skills of pupils with specific learning difficulties.  To support creating and modification of school educational programs in inclusive elementary school environment.

8. Empirical Research Focusing on Foreign Languages Research aim  To evaluate current foreign language education of pupils with learning difficulties at selected schools in Brno.  To examine and evaluate the effectiveness of educational methods and methods relevant to the specific group (alternative approaches, method of creative writing, evaluation).  To create practical ideas for teaching of pupils with learning difficulties.

9. Intervention in Pupils with Communication Disorders Research aim  To analyze the number and distribution of pupils with communication disorders in elementary schools in Brno.  To realize research focused on development of communication competences of pupils in pre- schools in Brno.

10. Education of Pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties Research aim  To analyze the current integration process of pupils with specific learning difficulties in elementary schools.  To analyze the current integration process of elementary school pupils with specific learning difficulties in mathematics (dyscalculia).

11. Education of Pupils with Special Needs in the Educational Area Man and Health – Health Education Research aim  To analyze the current state and respect of the integration conditions focusing on integrated pupils – their personality, social adaptability, on the school – knowledge, attitudes, and readiness of teachers, availability of necessary material and technical equipment and on the attitudes of classmates towards integrated pupils.

12. Education of Pupils with Special Needs in the Educational Area Man and the World of Work Research aim  To analyze the current situation in the area of professional orientation of pupils with special needs.  To find out the role of professionals in career counselling at schools and counselling centres.  To evaluate the position and form of the topic of career choice in the School Educational Programs.

13. Education of Pupils with Special Educational Needs through Drama Education Research aim  Personal development and empowerment of social competences of pupils with special needs through drama education.  Solving problematic situations through drama education methods.

14. Elementary Education of Pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorders Research aim  To set basic factors determining successful inclusion of pupils with autism spectrum disorders in the sense of their further participation in the educational process and on the labour market.

International conferences 2007 – Approaches to Education of Pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties Specific Learning Difficulties 2007 – Education of Gifted Children – Education of Gifted Children – Education of Pupils with Speech Impairment. Impairment – Education of Socially Disadvantaged Pupils. Pupils – Drama at inclusive Schools – Drama at inclusive Schools.

2010 – Education of Gifted Pupils – Pre-graduate and Postgraduate Teacher Education. Education – Education of Pupils with Health Impairment. Impairment – Elementary School Education of Pupils with Special Needs. with Special Needs.

Evaluation Participation of 9 Departments of the Faculty of Education, Masaryk University. Topics for final theses of our students. Publications – articles, books. International conferences and cooperation.

PhDr. Barbora Bazalová, Ph.D. Elementary Education of Pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Further Opportunities in the Educational Process and on the Labour Market

Research Aim To determine basic factors for successful inclusion of pupils with autism spectrum disorders in the sense of their further participation in the educational process and on the labour market.

Partial Aims To obtain the number of pupils with autism spectrum disorders in the South Moravian Region. To find out the number of integrated pupils. To describe conditions of educating pupils with autism spectrum disorders in mainstream schools.

To focus on social exclusion of this group of pupils. To focus more on Asperger's Syndrome. To focus on language acquisition in children with autism spectrum disorders. To specify a definition of these disorders, their classification, their diagnostics, their epidemiology, and their aetiology, the triad, and therapies.

Research Team Barbora Bazalová – the head of the team Lucie Procházková 3 other professionals from Special Counselling Centre for Pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorders from Special Counselling Centre for Pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Obtained Data So Far Number of clients of the Counselling Centre in /2008 Till 7 years Till 15 years Till 26 years Included Together

Diagnoses in May 2008 (Childhood Autism 50%, Asperger's Syndrome 33%, Atypical Autism 13%, The Other Diagnosis ASD 4%)

Pupils with ASD at different schools in May 2008 (Pre- schools 26%, Primary Schools 47%, Secondary Schools 15%, High Schools 12%)

Transition from School to Work of Disabled People Support of the Integration to the Labour Market Realised projects PhDr. Lucie Procházková, Ph.D.

Work for disabled people The meaning of work in general. The meaning of work for disabled people. Support of a full integration to the society, contribution to self-determination, acceptance and quality of life. Independence, responsibility.

Vocational Training as a Part of Education Framework Education Programme for Elementary Education –at primary schools –at schools for disabled pupils. Educational Area: „Man and the World of Work“. Working competences: to decide, the knowledge of rights and duties etc. Support/counselling: persons, places.

Reasons for Lower Employment of Disabled Persons No adequate qualification and education. Prejudice towards disabled persons. Lower motivation and working competences. Less information. Fewer counselling and assistance services.

Support of Integration The Employment Law –Statutory duty for employers. The Labour Market Services. NGOs – the Agencies of Supported Employment. The open labour market, sheltered workshops. Social services, assistance.

Project 1 (EQUAL) „ The Integrative Guidance for Disabled Persons on the Labour Market in the Context of National and International Cooperation“ ( ). „ The Integrative Guidance for Disabled Persons on the Labour Market in the Context of National and International Cooperation“ ( ). Counselling on the transition from the school to work. More specific information. Further education for relevant persons.

Project 2 (Operational programme) „Activation and Education Centre“ ( ). „Activation and Education Centre“ ( ). The enhancement of the entry of disabled people to the labour market. The creation of new educational programmes (unskilled work). The formation of the Activation and Education Centre.