Browsing by Author "Education Strengthening Program Manager, Charitable Foundation "Caritas Georgia""

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    Achievements and Challenges of the Practice of Assisting Students with Special Educational Needs
    (Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, 2024-06-27) Demetrashvili, Giorgi; Education Strengthening Program Manager, Charitable Foundation "Caritas Georgia"
    In recent years inclusive education has gained prominence globally as a means to adapt educational systems to cater to the diverse needs of all students, ensuring equitable access and participation. Georgia implemented inclusive education policies starting in 2006, with significant strides made after the introduction of personal assistants for students with special educational needs in 2018. This study explores the implementation of this service in Georgian schools, focusing on the challenges encountered. Qualitative research was used to investigate the experiences and perspectives of stakeholders involved in inclusive education. Three distinct focus groups were conducted, involving school administrators, special needs assistants (SNAs), and staff from the National Center for Teacher Professional Development. A total of 34 participants provided insights through these focused discussions. The qualitative analysis revealed several challenges associated with the introduction of personal assistants in Georgian schools. Foremost among these challenges is the insufficient training and professional development opportunities available for assistants. Additionally, the ambiguity surrounding the roles and responsibilities of SNAs and communication barriers within school environments were identified as significant issues. Importantly, the study highlighted that high turnover rates among assistants are largely attributable to professional burnout. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of inclusive education initiatives in Georgia. The findings emphasize the need for strategic planning, targeted support measures, and resource allocation to optimize the support system for students with special educational needs and improve their educational outcomes.