
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.