Category Archives: Creating an Inclusive School

B. Ed., Creating an Inclusive School, Inclusive Education, M. Ed., NET, Paper 2, Unit 10 Inclusive Education

Evolution of National Policy of Education (NPE)

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The Evolution of the National Education Policy of Education (NPE) is long one.

Stages of Evolution of National Education Policy (NPE)

The National Education Policy (NEP) in India has undergone several changes and reforms since the country’s independence in 1947.

Here is a brief overview of the evolution of the National Education Policy in India:

  1. First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956): The first National Education Policy was formulated during the first Five-Year Plan in 1952. The policy emphasized the importance of education in national development and focused on expanding access to education and improving the quality of education in the country.
  2. Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961): The second National Education Policy was formulated during the second Five-Year Plan in 1960. The policy emphasized the need for a unified national education system and recommended the establishment of a national system of education with a common curriculum and examination system.
  3. Education Commission (1964-1966): The Education Commission, also known as the Kothari Commission, was established in 1964 to review the progress of education in India and make recommendations for the future. The Commission’s report, published in 1966, recommended a national system of education with a common structure and curriculum and emphasized the importance of vocational education and teacher training.
  4. National Policy on Education (1968): The National Policy on Education was formulated in 1968 based on the recommendations of the Kothari Commission. The policy emphasized the need for a unified national education system with a common structure and curriculum and emphasized the importance of vocational education, teacher training, and adult education.
  5. New Education Policy (1986): The New Education Policy was formulated in 1986, replacing the National Policy on Education of 1968. The policy focuses on the need for a child-centered and activity-based approach to learning. It also recommends the establishment of a three-tier system of education (elementary, secondary, and higher education).
  6. National Policy on Education (1992): The NPE was revised in 1992 to reflect the changing needs of society. The policy emphasized the need for a flexible and diversified education system. It recommended the establishment of a national system of vocational education and training.
  7. National Education Policy (2020): The latest National Education Policy was formulated in 2020 after a gap of almost three decades. The policy emphasizes the need for a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to learning. It also recommends the establishment of a four-tier system of education (Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary). The policy also recommends reforms in teacher education, curriculum development, and assessment practices, among other things.

Overall, the evolution of the National Education Policy in India reflects the changing needs of society and the economy.

Also Read: PWD Act 1995
Evolution of National Policy of Education (NPE)
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B. Ed., Creating an Inclusive School

What is PWD Act 1995?

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The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PWD Act 1995) is an Indian law that aims to provide for the equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation of persons with disabilities in the society.

Who made this Act?

The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 was made by the Government of India. The bill was introduced in the Indian Parliament in 1995, and it was passed by both the houses of Parliament. The act was notified on December 1, 1995, and it came into effect from February 7, 1996.

PWD act was enacted to ensure equal opportunities, protection of rights, and full participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life. The act has been amended several times, with the most recent amendment being in 2016.

The act defines a “person with disability” as someone who has a physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Key features of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 :

  1. Definition of disability: The PWD Act 1995 defines a “person with disability” as someone who has a physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. The act covers a wide range of disabilities, including blindness, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental illness, and intellectual disability, among others.
  2. Reservation in education and employment: The act provides for reservation of 3% of vacancies in government jobs and educational institutions for persons with disabilities. This reservation applies to all categories of jobs, including those in the public and private sectors.
  3. Non-discrimination: The act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in matters relating to employment, education, and the provision of services, among other things. It requires that no person with disability shall be discriminated against on the grounds of disability in employment, promotion, training or recruitment.
  4. Accessibility: The act requires that all public buildings, places of work, and educational institutions be made accessible to persons with disabilities. This includes provisions for ramps, elevators, and other assistive devices to ensure that persons with disabilities can access these buildings and facilities.
  5. Affirmative action: The act mandates that the government take affirmative action for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. This includes measures to promote the participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and public life.
  6. Social security: The act provides for social security measures such as unemployment allowance, pensions, and insurance schemes for persons with disabilities. The act also provides for a disability pension scheme for persons with disabilities who are unable to earn a livelihood.
  7. Legal aid: The act provides for legal aid and assistance to persons with disabilities. This includes provisions for free legal aid to persons with disabilities who are unable to afford legal services.
  8. Special courts: The act provides for the establishment of special courts for the speedy trial of offences against persons with disabilities. These courts are designed to ensure that cases involving persons with disabilities are heard and disposed of quickly and efficiently.

In addition to these features, the act also provides for measures to promote research and development in the field of disability, as well as the establishment of a National Fund for Persons with Disabilities to support programs and initiatives for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The PWD Act 1995 is an important legislation that seeks to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life.

PWD Act 1995
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B. Ed., Creating an Inclusive School

Meaning and Need of Inclusive Education

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Inclusive education refers to an educational approach that aims to provide equitable and quality education to all students, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, gender, ethnicity, social class, and cultural background.

In other words, inclusive education is about creating a learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported to achieve their full potential.

Meaning and Need of Inclusive Education

The need for inclusive education arises from the fact that every student is unique and has their own strengths, challenges, and learning styles. By adopting an inclusive approach, schools and educators can ensure that every student receives the necessary support and resources to overcome barriers to learning and succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Additionally, inclusive education can promote social cohesion, reduce discrimination, and foster a more tolerant and accepting society.

Also read: Concrete and Absolute Knowledge

Here are some main points on why we need inclusive education:

  1. Equity and fairness: Inclusive education aims to provide equal educational opportunities to all students, regardless of their background, abilities, or disabilities. It is a fair and just approach that promotes equity and eliminates discrimination.
  2. Valuing diversity: Inclusive education recognizes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including differences in culture, language, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, and abilities. It promotes respect for all individuals and their unique contributions to society.
  3. Meeting the needs of all learners: Inclusive education seeks to accommodate the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities or learning difficulties. It provides a supportive learning environment that encourages students to participate and succeed in their education.
  4. Promoting social integration: Inclusive education helps to break down barriers between different groups of students, promoting social integration and creating a sense of belonging. This helps to reduce stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
  5. Improving academic outcomes: Inclusive education has been shown to improve academic outcomes for all students, not just those with disabilities or learning difficulties. It fosters a positive and supportive learning environment that can enhance motivation, engagement, and achievement.
  6. Meeting legal and ethical obligations: Inclusive education is a legal and ethical obligation for schools and educational institutions. It is required by law in many countries and is in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Overall, inclusive education is essential for creating a fair, just, and equitable society that values diversity and promotes the well-being and success of all its members.

Need of Inclusive Education
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B. Ed., Creating an Inclusive School

Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)

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The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament in 1992, known as the Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992. The main objective of RCI is to regulate and standardize the training of professionals working in the field of rehabilitation and special education.

RCI is responsible for accrediting institutions that offer courses in rehabilitation and special education, and for recognizing and registering professionals who have completed these courses. The council also sets standards for the curriculum, infrastructure, and facilities of these institutions, and conducts inspections to ensure that these standards are being met.

The RCI also maintains a database of professionals who have been registered with the council and provides a platform for networking and collaboration among these professionals. In addition, the council promotes research and development in the field of rehabilitation and special education and organizes conferences and seminars to create awareness and disseminate knowledge.

The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) plays a crucial role in the field of rehabilitation and special education in India. Its main role is to regulate and standardize the training of professionals working in this field and to ensure that high-quality services are provided to people with disabilities.

Also Read: Open Ended Questions

Some of the specific roles and responsibilities of the Rehabilitation Council of India include:

  1. Accrediting institutions: The RCI accredits institutions that offer courses in rehabilitation and special education. This ensures that the courses offered by these institutions meet certain standards and that the students who complete these courses are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to work in the field.
  2. Setting standards: The council sets standards for the curriculum, infrastructure, and facilities of these institutions, and conducts inspections to ensure that these standards are being met. This ensures that the quality of education and training provided by these institutions is maintained at a high level.
  3. Recognizing and registering professionals: The RCI recognizes and registers professionals who have completed these courses. This registration ensures that the professionals meet certain standards and are equipped to provide high-quality services to people with disabilities.
  4. Maintaining a database: The council maintains a database of professionals who have been registered with the council. This database serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among these professionals.
  5. Promoting research and development: The council promotes research and development in the field of rehabilitation and special education. This helps to advance knowledge and understanding in the field and to improve the quality of services provided to people with disabilities.
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B. Ed., Creating an Inclusive School

Composite Regional Centres

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Composite regional centres are multi-functional centres that provide a range of services and facilities to people living in a particular region. These centres typically combine services such as healthcare, education, transportation, employment, and social services, among others.

Idea Behind CRCs

The idea behind composite regional centres is to create a one-stop-shop for people living in rural or remote areas, who might otherwise have to travel long distances to access essential services. By bringing together a range of services in one location, composite regional centres can make it easier and more convenient for people to access the services they need.

They can play an important role in addressing issues such as access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in rural and remote areas. They can also help to support the development of regional economies by providing local infrastructure and services that attract businesses and investment.

CRCs and Inclusive Education

Composite regional centres can play an important role in promoting inclusive education for children with disabilities living in rural and remote areas. Inclusive education refers to a model of education where children with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled peers in mainstream schools.

In many rural and remote areas, there may be limited resources and expertise to support inclusive education. They can provide a range of services to support inclusive education, including:

  1. Special education services: They can offer special education services such as assessments, interventions, and therapy sessions to support children with disabilities in mainstream schools.
  2. Professional development: They can provide professional development opportunities for teachers and other education professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting children with disabilities.
  3. Assistive technology: They can provide assistive technology devices and services such as computer software, communication aids, and mobility aids to support children with disabilities in their learning.
  4. Collaboration and networking: They can facilitate collaboration and networking among schools, families, and community members to promote inclusive education and address the specific needs of children with disabilities in rural and remote areas.
Also Read: Existentialism

By providing these services, composite regional centres can help to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for children with disabilities in rural and remote areas, and help to bridge the gap in access to educational resources and opportunities between urban and rural areas.

Composite Regional Centres
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