Slovenia: Developmental Research Centre for Educational Initiatives "Step by Step"

Developmental Research Centre for Educational Initiatives "Step by Step"

Developmental Research Centre for Educational Initiatives "Step by Step" Slovenia, was established in order to research, develop, initiate and implement and promote various activities which support educational reform processes in public schools in Slovenia. These activities aim to ensure equal opportunities in education for all children and to involve families and community members in the education process. The Centre’s programs are based on principles of democratic civil society, children’s and parent’s rights, contemporary knowledge of child development and learning abilities and the introduction of changes into the education system. The core activities focus on promoting the Step by Step program philosophies and the implementation of child-centered methodologies for children from birth through 9th grade.

Currently the program serves over 10,000 preschool and 5,000 primary school children in 500 preschool classrooms and 223 primary classrooms. Over 5,000 teachers have been trained in new methods since the program began in 1995, with more than 1200 teachers were trained in 1999-2000.

In 2000, the Centre started the reading and Writing for Critical Thinking project (RWCT) in cooperation with the International Reading Association and Open Society Institute New York in order to expand services and to be able to provide a transition from primary school to secondary school for children who have participated in Step by Step programs.

Other significant accomplishments of the project:

• Participation in the expert commission for preparing the national preschool curriculum
• Step by Step methodology was recognized as one of the possibilities for the National curriculum.
• Established a network of preschools, primary schools and model centers which implement the Step by Step methodology.
• The Centre’s training sessions are formally accredited professional development credit on the national level.
• Approximately 100 young volunteers have been trained to work with children in preschool and primary classrooms that use the Step by Step methodology.
• Created partnerships with all pedagogical facilities allow students to complete their student practice in Step by Step model centers.
• Training and assistance have supported the inclusion of refugee children, Roma children and children with disabilities into preschool and primary classrooms.
• Worked with a company that employs people with disabilities and young people with mental disabilities to produce some didactic materials which were not available in Slovenia
• Published several training materials and educational manuals for teachers including some developed by the Centre (home made toys and games).