The Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia has begun a public discussion regarding the Strategy Document for the Development of Inclusive Education for the academic year of 2019-2022.
The new Action Plan was created with significant changes to the National Legislation concerning General Education.
"It is a fact, that the following changes in the legislation has brought a new perspective on the development of inclusive education. Today, our task is to enforce the law and make this perspective a reality, in conjunction with providing access to quality education and continuity at all levels. "- stated the Minister of Education and Science -Mikheil Chkhenkeli.
The Minister hoped that the discussion of the document will continue, and the final edition of the Strategy Document will be formed as a result of open, public discussions. The ideas and a general vision put forward during these discussions will become an important step in the process of building an equal society.
Special teachers, persons with disabilities, parent associations, local and international organizations and representatives of the legislative body were present at the presentation of the Strategy Document for Inclusive Education 2019-2022.
On the basis of the amendments to the Legislation on General Education, specialists employed in inclusive education have now been recognized and fully acknowledged as teachers. Their workload and wage rate will be equal to normal teacher from September. Moreover, special funding will be put forward for teachers employed in inclusive education, further advancing their professional career. Also, it is an important novelty, to transform special schools to resource schools, facilitating and improving the quality of inclusive education. The new law also included definitions of the terms of integrated and specialized classes. Owing to these amendments, the renewed law is now in full compliance with the Convention on Persons with Disabilities.