New Guidelines Aim to Transform Support for Students with Special Needs

Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has highlighted the necessity for educators to follow the correct protocols when identifying students with special needs. This directive comes in response to concerns from private inclusive schools, where there have been reports of classroom segregation and unequal attention given to special needs students.

Radrodro outlined that mainstream schools must adopt specific procedures whenever they identify a student requiring additional support. Initially, the school staff should inform the head of the school, who will then escalate the matter to divisional heads. Subsequently, the case must be reported to the ministry headquarters, which will notify the special inclusive department to provide further assistance, including teaching resources and financial aid.

“So, until and as they come to us and advise us that there is a child that needs special attention here, we would not know. So, we rely on the head of school to advise us and update their families. So, if they don’t update their families, they don’t advise us, we will not know,” Radrodro stated, underlining the importance of communication in addressing the needs of students with disabilities.

The Fijian Teachers Association’s General Secretary, Paula Manumanunitoga, acknowledged the shared commitment to inclusivity but pointed out the shortcomings in implementing effective infrastructure and addressing the challenging teacher-to-student ratios in mainstream schools.

This recent emphasis aligns with Radrodro’s earlier remarks made during the Special and Inclusive Education (SIE) Talanoa, AGM, Wellness, and Awards (TAWA) Conference, where he announced that over 2,200 students with disabilities are currently enrolled in both special and regular education institutions. He has consistently underscored the significance of inclusive education and the educators’ essential role in shaping the futures of these students.

The ongoing discussions reflect a collective effort to foster an inclusive educational environment where every child is afforded the support they require, signifying hope for a future where all students can thrive academically and socially. By addressing the outlined challenges and implementing proper protocols, there is the potential for meaningful improvements in the educational experience for students with special needs.