The NSW Parliamentary inquiry into the provision of education to students with disabilities and special needs released its report yesterday, available online here.
Here is what the Sydney Morning Herald reported (21st July)
and two responses published in letters to the editor today (22nd July)
Teaching students with disabilities
Teachers need more training to help students with disabilities (''Teachers overwhelmed by special needs'', July 21)? No amount of training compensates for the demands of disabled students in a mainstream class. As an assistant principal, I know how a disabled child with no full-time aide delays and disrupts lessons. When will the parents of mainstream students start demanding a fair go? The number of students with learning difficulties, autism or Asperger's should be shown on the My School website.
Ross Jeffery Wahroonga
It could be inferred from your story that the parliamentary inquiry report found the inclusion of special needs students in mainstream classes "was to the detriment of other pupils". The report does not say this at all, but supported inclusive practice. It is time to bury this idea and address the real issues, which revolve around resources and the training of teachers.
No amount of funding will be sufficient if there is no commitment to ensuring teaching staff are appropriately trained to meet the needs of all students. Those teachers employed in specialist roles need more intensive training and experience.
Annette Guterres Concord
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