How can schools be organised to promote social inclusion and foster respect for diversity and individual differences? On 16 November, this topic was discussed by various stakeholders at the expert meeting 'Impact of policies on schoolyard culture and social inclusion'. The meeting was organised by researchers from the coalition Creating Smart Societies and representatives of the Amsterdam Collaborative, Orion.
Participants included representatives of educational organisations, school board partnerships, the Dutch Autism Society and researchers from various disciplines such as developmental psychology, public administration, architecture, human-media interaction and data science.
School participation and diverse needs
A key focus was to address the school environment at policy level. This was discussed from factors that influence children's school participation. From policies to create inclusive school environments that also welcome and empower children with diverse needs, and from the use of sensor technologies to promote good schoolyard culture and identify different network patterns.
Common focus
The main outcome of the meeting was the recognition of a common focus in creating an environment where every child can grow and flourish. And also the establishment of new connections and collaborations among the different disciplines and organisations.
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