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Creating Pathways to Inclusive Education: The Jamaican Experience

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Presentation on theme: "Creating Pathways to Inclusive Education: The Jamaican Experience"— Presentation transcript:

1 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

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

3 Background: Map of Jamaica

4 Background: School Map of Jamaica

5 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

6 Student Engagement

7 Student Engagement Mathematics Fair Read Across Jamaica

8 Capacity Building Cultural Exposure

9 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

10 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

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

12 System Challenge Underperformance Underachievement Inequity

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14 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

15 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

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

17 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

18 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. 

19 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

20 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

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


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