Special Teacher - A Promoter of Inclusive Education
| dc.contributor.author | Zhvania, Irine | |
| dc.contributor.author | Doctor of Psychology, Associate Professor, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University | |
| dc.contributor.author | Abashidze, Tamar | |
| dc.contributor.author | Doctor of Psychology, Associate Professor, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University | |
| dc.contributor.author | Makharadze, Tamar | |
| dc.contributor.author | Doctor of Public Policy, Associate Professor, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-09-16T12:27:05Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-09-16T12:27:05Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-06-28 | |
| dc.description | Inclusive Education in Georgia – Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives - 2024 Joint Conference of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | |
| dc.description.abstract | According to the data of 2024, there are approximately 12,000 students with special educational needs (SEN) studying in public schools (Education Management Information System, 2023). Consequently, the profession of the special teacher is becoming increasingly relevant. Since the implementation of inclusive education in the country, there has been a need for personnel to assist subject teachers in educating SEN students. Initially, the Law of Georgia on General Education included a provision for a "teacher of students with special needs." In 2010, an amendment defined the term "special teacher." According to the latest revision, a special teacher is defined as "a person with professional knowledge, skills, and relevant qualifications defined by the professional standard of a teacher, who independently or together with a subject teacher teaches students with special educational needs or works with them individually or in groups to improve learning outcomes and develop various skills" (212). Despite the legislative definition and the significant role of the special teacher in schools, the issue of special teacher qualifications still persists. After intensive discussions, it was decided that existing special teachers must confirm their professional competence by passing an exam to be granted the status of senior special teacher. It was determined that "a practicing special teacher is required to pass the special teacher exam defined by Georgian Law by January 1, 2025, to confirm their professional competence" (Article 613). Based on the professional standard for special teachers, an exam program was developed, and in 2021, the National Assessment and Examinations Center (NAEC) conducted the first senior special teacher exam. Since then, this exam has been held annually, with about 2,600 applicants each year. Some of this applicants are practicing special teachers in the system seeking status change, while others are entering the system for the first time as senior special teachers. One way to strengthen the profession of special teachers is to diversify the pathways to becoming a senior special teacher. Until recently, the status of senior special teacher could only be obtained through an exam, but starting in 2024, a "60-credit special teacher training program" will be launched, granting graduates the status of senior special teacher. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.tsu.ge/handle/123456789/2532 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | |
| dc.title | Special Teacher - A Promoter of Inclusive Education | |
| dc.type | Presentation |