International inspiration and national aspirations: inclusive education in Portugal

ABSTRACT

This article critically analyses the recent developments and changes towards Inclusive Education in Portugal, through a policy analysis that includes the last three legislative frameworks. These policies will be analysed within their cultural and historical context, to explore the similarities and differences in the conceptualisations of diversity and inclusion; and the influence of international policies in the national policies that regulate the Portuguese schools’ role in ensuring education for all. The 2018 policies aim to ensure that all students, regardless of their personal and social situation, have access and participate in an inclusive school, which aligns with the Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action (1994).

KEYWORDS:

• Inclusive education
• Portugal
• educational policy
• Salamanca Statement

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Ines Alves is a Lecturer in Inclusive Education at the University of Glasgow.

ORCID

Ines Alves http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5247-8696