Inclusive Education South Africa (IESA), the University of Witwatersrand, North-West University and University of the Free State have joined forces with the Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB) to improve inclusive teaching in primary schools in South Africa. To this end an agreement with the EU was signed on 17 August for financial and technical assistance.
More specifically, we will support the teacher education system in equipping (student) teachers with the necessary skills to identify and address barriers to learning experienced by learners in primary schools, ensuring a quality education for all.
Empowering Teachers and Learners
Enrolment rates of South African children in primary schools are high, yet learning outcomes are low compared to other (including less developed) countries. Children who experience barriers to learning – be it as a consequence of a disability, socio-economic circumstances, gender or cultural discrimination – are especially at risk of being left behind.
The role of teachers in identifying these children at the earliest possible stage and intervening appropriately is crucial. The project will improve the quality of teacher education to embed the existing inclusive education policy, the implementation of which is lagging behind.
5 Actions for Inclusive Teaching
The project targets the teacher education system in general, and student teachers, newly qualified teachers and existing teachers specifically. Together with our partners, we will enable them to teach more inclusively, through five activities in the provinces of Free State, Northern Cape and North West.
First, we will develop a library of Open Education Resources on inclusive teaching, freely available and widely communicated to all in the teacher education system. Second, we will organise national symposia and working groups to work towards a common approach to inclusive education. Thirdly, we will develop, organise and evaluate a pilot induction programme for new teachers and a pilot mentoring programme for mentors. Fourthly, we will pilot professional learning communities as a sustainable model for continued professional development for teachers and principals. Lastly, we will conduct evidence-based research on teacher development for inclusive education.
Through these activities, we will play a crucial part in strengthening the South African basic education system over the next three years to ensure quality education for all young learners, including those experiencing barriers.