CISCE handbook to make schools more inclusive

Kolkata: The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released a handbook for school administrators and teachers on inclusive education.The handbook, designed as a practical guide to support educators in implementing inclusive education within the diverse classrooms of CISCE-affiliated schools, highlights various challenges and provides suggestions for addressing them. For instance, it suggests that children with visual impairment be seated in the front row to access teaching-learning materials more easily. Classrooms should be kept free of obstacles to avoid accidents, and teachers should read aloud while writing on the chalkboard. Additionally, learning materials should be available in Braille format, and Braille should be incorporated into classroom displays.For those with hearing impairment, it is suggested to ensure the availability of hearing aids or other assistive listening devices. The seating arrangement should be designed to minimize background noise, and teachers should speak clearly and loudly.For students with speech and language disabilities, it is important to allow them more time to process information and respond to tasks, and to encourage them to build confidence.For intellectual disabilities, the handbook recommends providing adaptive equipment, breaking tasks down into simple, doable steps, and using praise and encouragement instead of punishment. It also emphasizes the importance of sticking to a routine.The handbook suggests interventions for other difficulties, such as learning disabilities and mental behaviour issues.CISCE has highlighted that the move is to recognize and value the unique potential of every child and create learning experiences that cater to their individual needs, following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy emphasizes the creation of inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students, regardless of their diverse abilities and backgrounds.Schools are encouraged to plan at least one training session on inclusive education for general educators each academic quarter. While principals across schools welcome this move, several have highlighted that such changes cannot be implemented suddenly and require time and proper planning. Mousumi Saha, principal of National English School, Calcutta, said: "This is a very good move by the council. All these things are known to us, but now it comes up in a well-organized and specific manner. The handbook is very handy, and now everyone will get to know about it."Julien Day Group of Schools' director (education and development) Terence John said: "We have to equip ourselves to accept these children properly in the normal classroom situation, for which our teachers need to be a little more trained than they are today."