Students: inequalities and inclusion

Ideally, schools should provide equal opportunities for all students. However, they are often unable to avoid perpetuating the inequalities found in wider society. Promoting inclusion means recognising the value of all differences and ensuring that every student has what they need to learn and grow, regardless of their starting point or background.
This topic was discussed at the VIII Seminar, ‘INVALSI data: a tool for teaching and scientific research’ (Rome, 23–26 November 2023) and this volume comprises a selection of the contributions that were presented. The chapters address the issues of educational inequality and early school leaving in Italy and Europe, adopting a variety of perspectives and focusing particularly on the processes that enable them and the strategies that can be used to combat them.
As a statistical service, we hope that reading this volume will provide the tools for interpretation and operational ideas for improving the school system, offering theoretical reflections, empirical evidence and operational guidelines to promote a more equitable and inclusive system that can enhance the potential of all students.