Historical Background

The Roma Teaching Assistants (RTA), are called School Mediators (SM) in the Romanian context. Initiative to introduce SMs into the Romanian educational system dates back to 2002. The SMs were to be introduced in 76 pilot schools from 10 counties: at least one school mediator appointed by County School Inspectorates for each of the pilot schools. Although the criterion for employment of an SM is minimum secondary school education, this is not always implemented. There is no criterion for the ratio of SMs to children. The objective of the introduction of SMs into the schools were the following:

To support the implementation of the Ministry of Education Romania (MER) strategy regarding the improvement of access to education for disadvantaged groups with a special focus on Roma
To improve conditions in preschool education
To stimulate children to finish compulsory education
To provide a second chance education for young people who did not complete compulsory education

The pilot project was financed by the Phare under the category Technical Assistance for Two Components: Institutional Capacity Building and Grant Scheme.

RTA Job Description

The position of SM has been a recognized occupation in the Classification of Occupations in Romania (COR) since 2002, (HG no 844, 31 July 2002). The required education level is secondary, however in practice, this criterion often remains unfulfilled. The SM is preferably a member of the Roma community, recognized by both community and school. They are accountable to the Inspector for Roma/Minorities and School Director.

The SMs role is to:
- Provide a bridge between school and community
- Channel communications of school/community
- Represent community in the school
- Enable community empowerment
- Express family and community concerns to school as well as seeking solution for concerns
- Maintain confidence and respect of their school and community
- Identify different reasons for students low attendance
- Represent and explain school policy and views to families
- Ensure teachers are aware of individual students issues that affect attendance and behaviour

In practice the SM conducts the following activities:
Collecting quantitative and qualitative data on attendance, enrollment, reasons, and factors
Writing reports upon request to different stakeholders (School Director, Roma Inspector, others)
Visiting and meeting with communities, families, teachers, institutions, children
Counselling families, children, communities, teachers
Communicating with school staff, students, families, other institutions from community
Participating in, organizing educational activities for different stakeholders

Legal Framework

Provided by the Governmental Strategy of Improving Situation of Roma in Romania, and MER Strategy for Pre University Education Development.

RTA Training

Currently, must have graduated from a compulsory education level and registered to high school. Training is also provided from Cluj Napoca Pedagogical College. In the future training is to be provided by Pre University education institutions (Pedagogical High Schools/Colleges).

Appendix: Relevant Documents

- Strategy of the Government of Romania for Improving the Condition of the Roma
- Master Plan of Measures for Applying the Strategy for Improving the Roma Condition
- General Considerations

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