Ireland
Country
Topic:
- The inclusion of modules on special education in pre-service teacher training courses.
- The development of curriculum guidelines for students with mild and moderate learning disabilities which can be implemented in both mainstream and special schools.
- The appointment of additional resource teachers, special class teachers and learning support teachers to cater for students with learning disabilities in mainstream primary and second-level schools.
In November, 1998, the Minister for Education and Science announced a number of special education initiatives. These include the introduction of a system of special teaching support for all children in mainstream schools who have been assessed as having special educational needs. This can be on a part time or full time basis. Also included is the introduction of a system of part time or full time childcare support for children in mainstream schools or special settings who have been assessed as needing such support. In addition, the distinct educational needs of children with autistic spectrum disorder is formally recognised through the introduction of a special pupil teacher ratio of 6:1 and an automatic entitlement of childcare support, in either mainstream or special schools.
The concept of "automatic entitlement " to resources was stressed in the Minister's announcement. Official circulars and information notes relating to procedures for accessing these resources have been issued to Boards of
Management of schools.
- Dual enrolment and part-time attendance of students with learning disabilities in both mainstream and special schools.
- Expansion of the Visiting Teacher Service of the Department of Education and Science.
- The establishment of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). [Further information on the NEPS can be found in the section dealing with the identification of children with special educational needs]
- Staffing concessions to schools with officially appointed resource teachers and special class teachers.
- Provision of special equipment for students with learning, sensory and physical disabilities in mainstream schools.
- Support for in-service training in special needs education for both specialist and generalist teachers from the In-Career Development Unit of the Department of Education and Science.