TEACHER TRAINING AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA

Abstract

Modern education systems around the world now treat inclusive education as their main educational priority because they want to provide all students including those with special educational needs equal learning chances. The development of inclusive education in Lithuania has progressed according to European and international educational standards which UNESCO and OECD and European Union member states support. The research investigates how teacher training programs help Lithuania achieve its goal of developing inclusive educational practices. The researchers conducted qualitative research by analyzing secondary data which included policy documents international reports and academic  literature. The research shows that Lithuania has made progress toward implementing inclusive education through its teacher education programs but the country still needs to address major gaps between theoretical knowledge and actual teaching methods. The research demonstrates that practical training plus ongoing professional development should receive strengthening because these elements serve as the main drivers for achieving better re sults in inclusive educational practices.