Systematic Literature Review of High-Performing, Holistic and Inclusive Education Systems
A systematic literature review of high-performing, holistic and inclusive education systems.
- Service
- Evidence synthesis
- Commissioned by
- Department of Education and Youth (DEY), Ireland
About the project
EduRelate is conducting a systematic literature review that seeks to identify, analyse and synthesise international evidence on the defining characteristics of high-performing, holistic and inclusive education systems. The review was commissioned by the Irish Department of Education and Youth (DEY). Given the broad scope of the review, it is divided into six research questions (RQ):
Research questions
- RQ1: System features and design: What system-level and local-level features characterise education systems that achieve strong academic outcomes alongside holistic learner development?
- RQ2: Learner wellbeing and engagement: How do inclusive, holistic and high-performing systems respond to contemporary wellbeing challenges affecting learners’ engagement, resilience, agency and participation?
- RQ3: Collaboration and integrated support: How are collaborative models involving schools with community and voluntary services or non-formal education designed and implemented in inclusive, holistic and high-performing systems?
- RQ4: Initial teacher education: How do inclusive, holistic and high-performing systems design and implement programmes of initial teacher education preparation for teachers?
- RQ5: Teacher professional learning: How do effective professional learning approaches support teacher development for inclusive, holistic education and sustained high performance?
- RQ6: Curriculum design: How does curriculum design support inclusive and holistic learner development while maintaining high academic standards?
The findings aim to inform the work of Action Group 3 (High-Quality and Inclusive Education) and contribute to the broader strategic direction of the DEY’s Our Schools, Our Future programme and associated frameworks.