Panel Discussion: Navigating Uncertain Times: Research on Inclusive Education in Cyprus

• Speakers: Simoni Symeonidou (University of Cyprus, Cyprus), Katerina Mavrou (European University, Cyprus), Lefki Kourea (Nicosia University, Cyprus)
• Chairperson: Simoni Symeonidou
• When: 00 SES 03 A / Tuesday, 27/Aug/2024: 17:15 - 18:45
• Location: Room 119 in ΧΩΔ 02 (Common Teaching Facilities [CTF02]); Floor 1

The Republic of Cyprus (hereafter Cyprus) has been historically experiencing uncertainty in various levels, stemming from political, social, health, and financial challenges. Arguably, the trajectory of education policy and practice is affected by these contextual factors. This session aims to delve into research on inclusive education, and to demonstrate how research priorities have been shaped. Inclusive education is conceptualised as the participation and learning of all children in the mainstream school, with a particular concern on children vulnerable to exclusion. The session follows a thematic approach of key research themes (i.e., history and the first integration law, evaluation of policy and practice, political and educational changes, and digitalization) linked with a historical timeline, in an attempt to show how milestones of uncertain times (e.g. the establishment of the University of Cyprus in 1992, the 1999 Law on integration, the 2010 national curriculum reform, the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, etc.) influenced research on inclusive education in Cyprus. The session also sheds light on how local research has been placed within the broader European and global trends on inclusive education, as being informed but also informing the international research agenda. The session ends with a discussion on the future directions of research, and the implications of conducting research on inclusive education at local level while trying to contribute to the broader literature of inclusive education.