Special Needs

The education reform process in Barbados is based on the philosophy that human resource development is based on the fundamental principal that human resource development is the key to social, economic and political growth. Another important aspect is that the Ministry of Education recognizes the reform must be child centered recognizing multiple intelligences. According to the White Paper on Education (1995) that is the reason for the theme “Each one matters” has been used in the reform effort.

Hearing impaired students using technology to enhance their projects

Each country is duty bound to provide education for all students. Students that are challenged mentally or physically should be given all opportunity to develop to their maximum capacity. Appropriate training of teachers is essential for successful results with special education efforts. We have to recognize that students who are challenged should not be ostracized but every attempt must be made to bring them into main stram schooling where ever possible.

The debate surrounding inclusion has been in the forum of educators for several years. Some educators have strong views on either side of the fence but the bottom line is that our students should not be marginalized. Draper (1999) indicated that the nation couldn’t afford to have disposable children. He felt that we should no longer entertain these systems and policies that restrict, restrain and categorize children who do not fit our profiles of a successful learner. I am of the view that while streaming or ability grouping had its place in the past our new knowledge, based on research re: how children learn dictate that we reassess our practices in education and allow each student in spite of race, ability or religious persuasion to be accepted and regarded as an important member of his/her school.