Creating Pathways to Inclusive Education: The Jamaican Experience Michele A. Meredith (PhD) Special Education Coordinator Ministry of Education Kingston, Jamaica Creating Pathways to Inclusive Education: The Jamaican Experience www.britishcouncil.ae

Contents Background Educational Landscape Service Coverage for Special Education System Challenge Response: Education System Transformation and Reform Management of Special Needs The Road Ahead

Background: Map of Jamaica www.britishcouncil.org

Background: School Map of Jamaica www.britishcouncil.org

Educational Landscape Access and Equity – Free education (1970’s) Greater access for all Government aid More schools constructed Assistance for uniforms, meals Equitable access for enrolment and access to schools Common Entrance Examination Independent and Government-aided schools

Student Engagement www.britishcouncil.org

Student Engagement Mathematics Fair Read Across Jamaica www.britishcouncil.org

Capacity Building Cultural Exposure www.britishcouncil.org

Service Coverage for Special Education Formal Education for Special Needs Continued educational reform Free education Organized advocacy through NGOs Bi-lateral agreement Netherlands/Jamaican governments (1970s) Special Education Training Regional diagnostic, therapeutic and research facility Special Education (self-contained) Units across the island

Service Coverage for Special Education Educational Provision Segregated and integrated settings serving varied areas of disability: Physical Intellectual Sensory Socio-emotional Primary and secondary schools Private and government-owned schools Increased teacher training programmes in special education www.britishcouncil.org

Performance Challenges Employment Economic Growth Social and Educational Progress Achievement Access Education to Grade Four Benchmarks Grade Six Achievement Tests Secondary school exit exams www.britishcouncil.org

System Challenge Underperformance Underachievement Inequity www.britishcouncil.org

Response: System Transformation and Reform Transformation Activities and Initiatives Introduction of systems to for improved governance and management National College of Educational Leadership Responsible for the training of principals National Education Inspectorate Responsible for inspection and monitoring for school improvement Introduction of agencies to promote and support professional development and capacity-building Jamaica Teaching Council Responsible for licensure and training Jamaica Tertiary Commission Responsible for monitoring of tertiary institutions Space Rationalization and School Construction Phasing out of a shift system Construction of new schools www.britishcouncil.org

Response: System Transformation and Reform Transformation Activities and Initiatives (cont’d) Curriculum, Teaching and Learning; Behaviour Management and Monitoring Literacy and Numeracy Introduction of a National Standard Curriculum Quality Assurance Unit Parent Education and Support National Parenting Support Commission Operational Decentralization Increased autonomy of Regional Education Offices www.britishcouncil.org

Response: System Transformation and Reform Curriculum, Teaching and Learning; Behaviour Management and Monitoring Literacy and Numeracy Introduction of a National Standard Curriculum SPECIAL NEEDS www.britishcouncil.org

Management of Special Needs Task Force (2014) Recommendations: Conduct an audit of the special education system Conduct a demographic study to identify populations and disability categories Adopt and implement a Policy on Special Education Provide regulatory amendments to the Education Act of 1980/Code of Regulations Design and implement a monitoring and evaluation system to gauge the quality of service provision and delivery www.britishcouncil.org

Management of Special Needs Task Force Recommendations: Introduce a school-to-work transition model for preparation for employment, community integration, and independent living. Develop a formal programme to promote inter-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach to provide educational services. Develop guidelines that will foster and enhance private and public sector partnerships to support special education.  www.britishcouncil.org

Management of Special Needs Identification and Intervention Proficiency Pathway Child Find Capacity building Sensitization of school leadership and practitioners Professional Development Ministry of Education officer corps Inclusive approach to education Sustainable Programmes Alternative Secondary Education Programme Programme for Advanced Learners www.britishcouncil.org

Management of Special Needs Public Education and Parent Support National Parenting Support Commission Regional information events Curriculum Adaptation Curriculum for moderate to severe intellectual disabilities Stakeholder Engagement Legislative Support Policy on Special Education Amendments to the Education Act (1980) Amendments to the Code of Regulations www.britishcouncil.org

www.britishcouncil.org

www.britishcouncil.org

Identification and Intervention The Way Forward Sustainable Programmes Capacity Building Public Education Stakeholder Engagement Legislation Curriculum Adaptation Identification and Intervention