Teachers from Ward 100, Cullinan, learn how to work with special needs children
Teachers from Ward 100 and surrounding areas were taught how to work with special needs children.
The Department of Education began training camps in Ward 100 earlier this month for mainstream schools to accommodate learners with special educational needs because of severe learning difficulties, physical disabilities or behavioural problems.
Teachers at several schools in and around Ward 100 will be able to help identify learners with barriers to learning and who require Inclusive Education and Special Needs Education (SNE).
Primary and high schools will be able to help special needs learners with applications for SNE bursaries and concession applications for the required support during tests and examinations.
After completing this camp, these teachers will be able to liaise with academic staff to develop supportive lesson plans and referrals to specialists.
The department trusts teachers will show a willingness to take responsibility for their judgements in an inclusive society, which is based on a strong value system, awareness and understanding of moral and social issues.
These teachers will be able to integrate their knowledge of underlying theories relevant to special needs education and learner support and a critical understanding of school guidance and counselling learners with special needs.
Ward 100 Clr Johannes Bekker said, “I am happy with the development of health-promoting schools, learner support in a diverse classroom, applied learner support and education research in our mainstream schools in Ward 100.”
Teachers will be able to contribute to the current knowledge framework of educational matters and issues in special needs and learner support by evaluating different knowledge sources.
Bekker raised the importance of every teacher showing competence in their ability to promote effective teamwork with staff and learners in the educational environment.
“They need to demonstrate their expertise in special needs and learner support education. Educators should have the capacity for argumentation and reasoning, based on their values, beliefs and practices, as well as the ability to critically analyse alternative approaches and solve specific problems in the field of special needs education,” said Bekker.
