IMAS - Improving Assistance in Inclusive Educational Settings II
Building on the recommendations of the first IMAS project, 'Improving Assistance in Inclusive Educational Settings' (IMAS II) aims to support and strengthen the development of learning support assistants' competencies for inclusive practice.
Background
The first IMAS project demonstrated that there is no clear and consistent learning framework that can support assistants in schools and other educational settings to work with pupils with disabilities. It showed that the working conditions of paraprofessionals are characterised by high workloads, little job security, low status in school hierarchies and low qualifications. Based on these findings, the follow-up project IMAS II wants to ensure the further development and strengthening of inclusive competences of paraprofessionals.
Activities
The project will develop 5 web-based modules on different topics such as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to encourage blended-learning. These modules include videos, PowerPoint presentations and quizzes, which provide an easy and quick way for paraprofessionals to expand their knowledge and to enhance inclusive competences for their practical work. The effects of the modules will be evaluated by participatory research with children and assistants (interviews). This research method will give children a voice and opportunities to express themselves.
IMAS II will also:
- Develop evaluation sheets for the further evaluation of assistance services
- Establish a transnational network of assistants for the further development and improvement of inclusive competences.
Updates
First newsletter- Read in Portuguese, Bulgarian,German and Slovak.
Second newsletter- Read in Portuguese, Bulgarian, German and Slovak.
Third newsletter- Read in Portuguese, Bulgarian, German and Slovak.
Final newsletter- Read in Portuguese, Bulgarian, German and Slovak.
Results
The 5 web-based knowledge modules are now available here on the D-LoT platform, registration is free! The modules are available in English, and the main contents have been translated into German, Portuguese, Slovak and Bulgarian.
Partnership
Center for Social Studies (CES), Portugal
The Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education (CSIE), United Kingdom
Duration
October 2018 - March 2021
Contact
Zoé Lardou, EASPD Learning and Development Officer
This project has received funding from the European Union's Erasmus+ funding programme, under the Key Action 2: Strategic Partnerships.
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.