The Role of Roma Teaching Assistants in Slovene Primary Schools: Empirical Evidence and Systemic Challenges

This PowerPoint presentation was presented at the 30th International Scientific Conference National Minorities, Migration and Security, held in Brijuni, Croatia, 7–9 September 2026. It examines the role of Roma teaching assistants in Slovenian primary schools attended by Roma pupils. The relevance of their work is considered in the context of key trends in the educational attainment and inclusion of Roma pupils in compulsory primary education. The analysis draws on empirical data collected over nine school years (2016/17–2024/25) from a sample covering more than half of all Roma pupils in Slovenia. Indicators of educational attainment and inclusion, measured for Roma and non-Roma pupils attending the same schools, reveal substantial and persistent gaps affecting Roma pupils. At the same time, marked differences within the Roma pupil population emerge by region and gender. The findings highlight the importance of sustained support and provide a basis for considering the role of Roma teaching assistants as part of a broader institutional response to persistent educational disadvantage. The presentation also discusses the empirically documented roles and contributions of Roma teaching assistants, particularly in relation to learning support, school attendance, communication between schools and families, and early responses to pupils’ difficulties. Finally, it identifies key structural and organisational challenges affecting the implementation and effectiveness of the role, including workload, employment stability, training and monitoring.