The missing link: teacher learning for diversity in an area-based initiative in Portugal

Szelei, N. and Alves, I. (2018) The missing link: teacher learning for diversity in an area-based initiative in Portugal. Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal, 8(3), pp. 79-98. (doi: 10.26529/cepsj.513)

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Abstract

As an attempt to promote educational success in socio-economically disadvantaged contexts, area-based initiatives are often launched in Europe, such as the programme Territórios Educativos de Intervenção Prioritária in Portugal. Given the importance of teaching quality to enhance student learning and considerable student diversity in the schools included in this initiative, this article explores opportunities for teacher learning for diversity within the programme. Documentary analysis was conducted on 188 school documents from 95 school clusters in the programme. The following research questions were asked: Does theprogramme promote teacher learning? In what ways is teacher learning promoted? Does teacher learning address diversity? The findings suggest that some interventions provide the possibility of teacher learning,such as the processes of learning together, pedagogical supervision, reflection, and attending professional development courses. However, diversity seemed to be largely missing from these initiatives. Furthermore,two cornerstones of teacher learning for diversity were absent: teachers’ critical reflection on students’ inclusion/exclusion; and learning from/with students, families, and communities. Additionally, mostprofessional development opportunities were organised around and measured by students’ academic results, thus positioning teacher learning as instrumental in raising school success, rather than a core of transformingeducation for diversity. These results call for policies within the Territórios Educativos de Intervenção Prioritária programme to include teacher learning that engages with and fosters critical thinking around diversity and to involve communities’ and students’ voices in order to truly tackle social exclusion. The findings can contribute to the debate on the approach to diversity in area-based initiatives in Europe.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The paper is part of the European Doctorate in Teacher Education (EDiTE) project that has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement number 676452.
Keywords:Area-based initiatives, diversity, professional development, teacher learning.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Alves, Dr Ines
Authors: Szelei, N., and Alves, I.
Subjects:L Education > L Education (General)
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Robert Owen Centre
College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Culture, Literacies, Inclusion & Pedagogy
Journal Name:Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal
Journal Abbr.:CEPS Journal
Publisher:University of Ljubljana
ISSN:1855-9719
ISSN (Online):2232-2647
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana
First Published:First published in Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal 8(3): 79-98
Publisher Policy:Reproduced with the permission of the Editor

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