DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: A PATHWAY TO EMPOWERING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

It is essential to focus on diversity and inclusion in education, especially for students with special educational needs (SEN). These students have challenges that can make it hard for them to succeed in school and make friends. Teachers [school] and parents [home] can help all students reach their full potential and ensure everyone has a fair chance at learning by creating a welcoming environment.

Inclusion goes beyond just putting students with special needs in regular classes; it means understanding each student’s needs and giving them the right support. This might include changing how lessons are taught, using tools to assist learning, and working together with other educators, parents, and specialists.

At International Community School (ICS), we make sure everyone feels included. We support learners with SEN academically, socially, physically, and emotionally. Not just that, but we also, promote a culture of respect and understanding among their peers.  In ICS, despite all our differences such as the country of origin of students, religion, skin color, beliefs, culture, language, and diverse learning needs of our learners, we are still committed and united in making sure each learner’s needs are met and supporting each one of them reach their full potentials as our school Mantra states, “Every Learner is an Achiever”. All stakeholders such as management, staff, students, and parents feel accepted and included in all decisions made in the school because we are a community!

These are some practices of ICS that show how different we are, yet inclusive.

• Students-led Conference (SLC) /Parents-Teacher Conference (PTC): A platform that allows all parents to participate in their ward’s education once every term.

• Parent Forum each term: An online forum is organized across schools for parents to share the needs of their wards with the school and immediate actions are taken to remedy any situation.

• Open house: This is another platform given to parents to meet their ward’s teachers for the first time and discuss school-related issues regarding their wards especially when they are transitioning to the next class.

• Establishment of our Special Educational Needs Department (SEND): The Special Educational Needs Department (SEND) in our school plays a vital role in supporting students with additional needs. This department is dedicated to ensuring that all students receive the right support they need to help them succeed in their learning. The SEND team works closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create Individualized learning plans tailored to each student’s unique requirements.

• ICS Family Day: This is a day set aside for the ICS Community to come together across our various campuses to share, wine, dine, and network.

• Round square: Students are allowed to showcase their unique diversity beautifully. They are taught to embrace diversity, we create a space where everyone feels included and respected. It encourages collaboration and creativity, as students share their unique viewpoints and ideas. Again, celebrating our differences helps to break down barriers and promotes kindness and understanding among classmates. We also let them know that, by recognizing and valuing diversity, we can build a stronger, more united community where everyone can thrive together.

• Anti-bullying systems: ICS is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone. We encourage students to speak up if they see or experience bullying. By reporting bullying to a teacher or trusted adult, we can work together to stop it. We can also support each other by being kind and ensuring no one feels left out or alone.

We end by saying that, embracing diversity in education helps to prepare all students for a world that values differences. By interacting with classmates from various backgrounds and abilities, students develop empathy and social skills that are essential for their future. Celebrating diversity and inclusion in schools encourages a sense of community, where every student feels valued and heard, ultimately leading to a richer educational experience for everyone involved.

The Authors: 

Ms. Rebecca Adomako      Ms. Tiwaah Attakorah

Special Educational Needs Department, Kumasi.