INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AS A SYSTEMIC RESPONSE TO LEARNER NEEDS Submission to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Basic Education

CONTEXTUALISING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA Learner population is diverse High percentages of learners experiencing a wide range of barriers to learning The right to education: access and meaningful participation Disability needs to be seen in the context of diversity

CURRENT EDUCATION FOCUS Matric results Failure to respond to diverse learner needs results in poor learner outcomes Ignoring the rights and needs of 70% of learners who don’t pass Grade 12

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AS A SYSTEMIC RESPONSE TO LEARNER NEEDS Entire education system’s responsibility Commitment to the continuum of support provision Requires: Prioritisation Accountability from each pillar Reporting on targets Funding Monitoring and evaluation Co-ordination of implementation

Continuum of support model

CELEBRATING SUCCESSES Good inclusive practice in Full Services, Special and Ordinary schools across the country Gazetting of the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support policy

THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN This is a Human Rights issue The right to Education is an ABSOLUTE right Action needs to be taken now!

“ Inclusive education is not something which has to happen in addition to education transformation in South Africa. It is the means through which education transformation will be achieved” Tony Booth