Inclusive Education

Research priority: Inclusive education
Funding period: Since October 2017
Field of action: Quality in education

NEWS

With the new research funding guideline “Transfer in Inclusive Education,” the BMBFSFJ is building on the research it has funded to date. The aim is to make empirically sound and practically proven findings from inclusive education available for a broad range of applications. At the same time, the initiative seeks to generate insights across all stages of education regarding the design of sustainably effective transfer approaches in inclusive education.

Objectives of the Support Measures
Inclusive education—that is, shared teaching and learning processes involving people with different learning and performance needs—is one of the central priorities of current education policy. It serves as the foundation for personal development, social participation, and equal access to the workforce. In 2009, Germany ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)—thereby committing itself to ensuring an inclusive education system at all levels. The goal is to provide people with disabilities with equal access to high-quality education at all stages of their educational journey—from early childhood education through K-12 and vocational training to higher education and continuing education. Since 2017, the former Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has funded research projects on the topic of inclusive education. Funding for the priority area of inclusive education has continued since the reorganization of the relevant departments within the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMBFSFJ).

The researchers involved in the funded research projects are working—in collaboration with representatives from the field of education, among others—to develop and investigate ways to create accessible learning environments and inclusive teaching-and-learning processes. They are also examining innovative diagnostic and support measures tailored to learners’ individual life and learning circumstances. Furthermore, in collaboration with partners from educational practice and administration, the projects are promoting the dissemination and implementation of the findings, concepts, and materials developed for inclusive education. Through these topics, the research focus makes a significant contribution to the implementation of Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. By signing the convention in 2009, Germany committed itself to enabling the equal participation of people with impairments and disabilities in education.

The research focus on inclusive education comprises a total of three funding guidelines. Their content focuses on the topics of professional development (InkBi 1), assessment for funding purposes (InkBi 2), and knowledge transfer (InkBi Transfer). The funding guidelines are designed to span all stages of education and also address transitions between educational levels.

Richtlinie zur Förderung der Forschung zu "Qualifizierung der pädagogischen Fachkräfte für inklusive Bildung". Bundesanzeiger vom 29.03.2016

Link to funding directive:

Richtlinie zur Förderung von Projekten zum Thema „Förderbezogene Diagnostik in der inklusiven Bildung“, Bundesanzeiger vom 05.12.2019
 

Status of the research priority
Qualification of professionals for inclusive education
Supportive diagnostic testing in inclusive education