“Madam, I would like to get an admission for my child. We have heard that your school takes good care of children like mine who are weak in studies and need extra support and care. I heard that all such students study there.”

My reply:

“Yes, you are partly right. We do include students who need extra attention in our classes with only 25 students each. However, we maintain a ratio to ensure fairness for all concerned, ensuring the right mix of all levels of learners. Special needs students are included on a 20-25% basis, which is the standard researched best ratio. You will need to follow the routine procedures, and if a slot is vacant, we can accommodate your child. Details can be obtained from the office.”

This typical conversation ends with hope on the part of the parent who really wants the child to be one among the few privileged who gets included.

How Does This Arrangement Work and What Are the Pros and Cons?

In a typical class of 25 or fewer students, around 3-5 need special interventions in various areas compared to others who manage fine on their own. These kids have different needs as each problem differs in pattern and intensity. Therefore, a clear plan of action needs to be chalked out, and this individualized education plan can be implemented with the support of the parent, who is the main pillar of strength and support for the child. The teacher creates an atmosphere conducive and supportive to all kinds of learners in her class, making them feel comfortable among the others who learn with ease.

The role of a parent in our school undergoes a significant shift from the norm; she/he is the child’s full-time parent and part-time educator. This “parental support” is the most decisive factor in achieving the desired breakthrough in learning. In my 15 years of experience, I can vouch for the fact that children whose parents have been physically and emotionally supportive are the ones who have gained confidence, been motivated to learn, and graduated with high scores.

Pros:

Inclusive Learning Environment: All students learn differently, and those with special needs thrive in a classroom with brighter counterparts who help them and set examples for them to follow. They are often talented and excel when performing on stage, sometimes surpassing their academically superior peers.

Development of Empathy: Brighter students learn humility and develop empathy as they see their struggling friends. They go out of their way to support them, dissolving all differences. Teachers find meaning in their vocation when they see their weaker students overcoming their issues and getting ahead.

Cons:

Teacher Stress: Despite offering facilities and support, teachers are often at the receiving end of over-expectations from parents. They go through stressful situations themselves as they are answerable to both the management and parents.

Understanding Learning Difficulties

A learning difficulty is not a disease; it is a symptom of an underlying problem in the acquisition of the 3R’s: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. There is a difference in the way these children learn, which requires unique teaching methods. No matter how much training they receive, the issue never completely disappears; it can only be managed. The intensity varies over time. The most important aspect is ensuring that the child gains confidence and is aware of their strengths and weaknesses. This is what matters, not the compromised academic performances, which will not determine their future success.

This write-up aims to dispel all doubts regarding our admission criteria as well as the myths surrounding the benefits of inclusion in a regular school for all kinds of learners.

Routine procedures include a detailed interactive session with the parents and student to gauge the needs and assess the current level of learning. This is followed by checking if a slot is vacant in that class. The criteria are a 5:20 ratio of special to regular students (2 students with any Developmental Disorders & 3 students with classic Learning Disabilities). Most importantly, we encourage age-appropriate inclusion, as the child needs to gain social and emotional advantages from same-age group interactions.

Much love,
Dr. Mareena Sebastian
Principal