Italian disability education and school inclusion

The National Coordination of Teachers in the discipline of Human Rights (CNDDU) has raised concerns regarding educational continuity for students with disabilities in Italy. The group has called for institutions to address issues such as vacant teaching positions and late appointments ahead of the 2026/2027 school year.

While data indicates an increase in specialized staff—with the proportion of specialized teachers rising from 63% to 78% over five years—approximately 57,000 teachers still lack specific specialization. These vulnerabilities follow a December 2025 decision by the Council of Europe’s European Committee of Social Rights, which identified violations of the revised European Social Charter concerning the precariousness and lack of specialization among support staff.

In addition to disability support challenges, recent data shows progress in reducing school dropout rates. In Italy, the early dropout rate for 18-to-24-year-olds reached 8.2% in 2025, while implicit dropout rates fell to 6.3% in 2026. The CNDDU has emphasized the necessity of evaluating the specific policies driving these improvements to ensure long-term stability.

Expanding its advocacy toward administrative reform, the CNDDU submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Education and Merit in August 2026 regarding the management of school personnel. The group suggested implementing a five-year rotation for regional directors who oversee sensitive administrative procedures, such as teacher rankings, mobility, and recruitment. The CNDDU argues this rotation would “enhance transparency, traceability, and impartiality” in decisions affecting the professional lives and family stability of educators.