Description
The Estonian education system is preparing to make a transition to enable children with special needs to be integrated into the mainstream schools in greater numbers in order to give them equal opportunities in society. Statistics show that there are more and more children with special needs who need a specialized program of education. The aim of the project is for the St. Michael's Society to create a counselling center which prepares teachers and the managers of schools to enable students with educational special needs to be integrated into the mainstream of education. The project will result in the establishment of a Center which will serve the interests of students in seven schools. As an example it is expected that it will inspire more schools to adopt the new methods and expand the circle using similar approaches in their schools in the future. Partner schools will learn how to to deal with children with special needs in specially formed small classes as well as in the present ordinary classes.
Summary of project results
The purpose of the project was for the St. Michaels Society to create Counselling Centre which prepares teachers and the managers of schools to enable students with educational special needs to be integrated into the mainstream of education. The St. Michaels Society has through its teaching practices been able to create an expert evaluation system which allows every student to participate in studies according to their specific needs and abilities. This ability to integrate is now available in other schools in Estonia (12). The number of students who need this service is still increasing. Therefore it is necessary for those students who need this to obtain access to this type of service through all schools in Estonia. Target groups of the project were: personnel of partnering schools (administration, teachers, support personnel), local authorities (Harju and Rapla county), children and their families. The main benefit: The St. Michael Society has managed to forward to the partner schools an evaluation system which allows including every student in studies according to his ability, individuality and needs. Partners have adjusted the model system to the needs of the school. With the project a network was established which includes schools dealing with the educational special needs. This is the first step in the innovation process, to prepare the acceptance of the changes for the whole school network.
Summary of bilateral results