Education plays a vital role in shaping a child’s future, and as parents, you want to provide your child with the best opportunities for growth and success. It is also the birthright of every child, irrespective of their capabilities and background. But, there is a certain stigma towards children with special needs that affect their confidence and self-esteem. The solution for this is inclusivity in education institutes.
In recent years, the concept of inclusive education has gained significant recognition and importance in India. Inclusive schools prioritize diversity, respect, and equal opportunities, regardless of their abilities or learning styles. By embracing inclusivity, parents can empower their children with a comprehensive and enriching experience. In this blog, we will explore in detail about inclusive education and why you should choose it.
What is Inclusive Education?
In simple words, inclusive education means classrooms that have diverse students of various learning abilities and styles. It means that students with special education needs get equal access to the same educational framework as their peers. Teachers teach the same lessons with appropriate additional support for children with special needs. It will usually be a co-teaching model where regular teachers and shadow teachers/ special education instructors work in synch.
Inclusive Education in India
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 also known as the Right to Education Act came to effect in April 2010. This act was the catalyst to boost inclusive education in India, irrespective of gender, caste, socioeconomic status, and learning style.
The Samagra Siksha scheme was launched by the Ministry of HRD in 2018 to improve the quality of education for all students, including children with special needs. This scheme is a comprehensive program for the education sector extending from preschool to class 12 and aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels. The scheme covers 1.16 million schools, over 156 million students, and 5.7 million government school teachers.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the importance of inclusive education by endorsing the policy of the RPWD Act 2016 that states that a student with or without disabilities learn together, learning is adapted as per the learning needs of different types of students with disabilities.
5 Reasons to Choose Inclusive Schools
Every child must get access to good quality education. An inclusive school is beneficial for children with special needs and also equally significant for regular children. It promotes qualities of understanding, compassion, respect, etc. We give you 5 reasons you should choose an inclusive school for your child that you can't ignore.
1. Fostering a Culture of Acceptance and Empathy
Inclusive schools create a nurturing environment where diversity is celebrated, and differences are seen as strengths. Exposing your child to students with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds provides them with an atmosphere that develops empathy, compassion, and acceptance from an early age. These values lay a strong foundation for creating inclusive communities and preparing children for a diverse and interconnected world.
2. Individualized Learning and Support
Inclusive schools understand that every child has unique learning needs and styles. They strive to provide individualized attention and support, ensuring that each student can thrive academically and personally. Inclusive classrooms often employ differentiated instruction techniques, assistive technologies, and support services to cater to diverse learners effectively. This approach allows parents to ensure that their children receive the personalized attention necessary for their educational success.
3. Promoting Social and Emotional Development
Inclusive schools prioritize social and emotional development alongside academics. By encouraging collaboration, teamwork, and communication among students of diverse backgrounds, this environment fosters the development of vital social skills. Children learn to appreciate and value different perspectives, build strong relationships, and develop resilience in the face of challenges. These essential life skills contribute to their overall growth and well-being.
4. Preparing for an Inclusive Society
Inclusive schools serve as microcosms of the wider society, preparing children to thrive in diverse workplaces and communities. By engaging with individuals from various backgrounds, abilities, and cultures, children learn to navigate differences and work collaboratively. This prepares them to be responsible global citizens who actively contribute to creating inclusive societies that embrace diversity and promote equity.
5. Enhancing Academic Excellence
Contrary to popular belief, inclusive education does not compromise academic standards. Inclusive schools emphasize high expectations for all students, irrespective of their abilities or disabilities. By embracing a diverse student body, inclusive schools provide an enriching learning environment where students can learn from one another's strengths and experiences. This inclusive approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, ultimately enhancing academic excellence for all students.
Choosing inclusive schools is a conscious choice that parents can make to ensure their children get a holistic and empowering atmosphere. It teaches children that being different can be an advantage rather than a disadvantage. It paves the way for a better future.
At Nele, we have helped many schools to create an inclusive atmosphere. We help schools set up resource rooms or update their current resource room. We are a fast-growing child development center in Rajarajeswarinagar that offer services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, NIOS Coaching, Shadow Teacher Program, etc.
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