There should be more focus on developing and executing a comprehensive plan for the training and recruitment of the professionals needed in special education. In the same way that manpower shortages in the health sector have been getting a great deal of attention, a major drive is needed in education to eradicate the chronic staffing gaps that have existed for years.
The Government has often stated its commitment to special education, that segment of the school system designed for students who are mentally, physically, socially and/or emotionally delayed. In T&T, such students make up approximately 30 per cent of the school population and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is on record as stating that her administration would ensure that they are not left behind.In recent years, some progress has been made in improving facilities for special education. There is, through the Ministry of Education's Student Support Services (SSS) Division, a framework on which the necessary infrastructure can be built and appropriate policies and systems set in place to meet the unique needs of students with special challenges.
However, special education is most effective when the student's needs are recognised, diagnosed and attended to as early as possible. This requires that throughout the education system, but particularly at the level of early childhood and primary schools, students get auditory and visual screenings, as well as psychomotor evaluations and other interventions to detect any conditions that may impact on their ability to learn. After that, they can be placed in the appropriate classroom settings to meet their specific needs.
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