Teachers urged to embrace inclusive education system

Published on The Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en)
Teachers urged to embrace inclusive education system

Embracing diversity: Some of the participants at the National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education 2008, which carries the theme 'Embracing Diversity: Strengthening Inclusive Schools'. Picture: Syafie Nadi
Syazwan Sadikin
BRUNEI-MUARA

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

PRINCIPALS and teachers should become more involved and open in assimilating special needs students in their schools and strengthen their support system for these students.

This was said by Datin Paduka Dayang Apsah Hj Abdul Majid, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education during the opening of the National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education 2008 at Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday.

"It is crucial that we undertake this task to review and strengthen what has been implemented to date, to ensure access to quality education for all in the years to come," she said.

She added it was also important that teachers receive appropriate training to develop their competencies, understanding, knowledge and skills that are required to facilitate the development of inclusive schooling.

"Classroom teachers play a pivotal role in maximising each learner's potential, and must learn strategies and methods to make use of each child's strength, skills and preferred learning style," said Datin Apsah.

The benefits, she said, can advance the planning and evaluation of school support policies and practices to ensure the provision of quality educational plans for those with special needs.

The permanent secretary related that selected primary and secondary schools have been allocated additional funding and support such as special learning equipment or resources, specialist support services and teacher training programmes to provide a wide range of quality inclusive education for students with special needs.

She also stressed the importance of a child-friendly school, one that provides a conducive learning environment and to help realise a child's full potential, thus promoting and reflecting healthy living.

"All children with special needs can be valued, contributing members of society if given appropriate educational programmes facilities and support," she said.

Members of School Based Teams (a collection teachers supporting special needs students), said Datin Apsah, can also help ensure diversity is accepted in schools throughout Brunei, reflecting His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's desire to ensure all children have the opportunity to realise their potential.

About 500 participants consisting of educators and facilitators attended yesterday's seminar and workshop, which carry the theme 'Embracing Diversity: Strengthening Inclusive Schools'.

The event is organised by the Special Education Unit under the education ministry. Its objective is to provide a platform for participants to examine issues, challenges, barriers, opportunities and directions for the future.The Brunei Times

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