With the organization of British Council and partnership of the Ministry of Education and Science a conference was held on March 12-13 under the title: "Inclusion and Special Educational Needs in Georgia." The conference was opened by the British Council director - Zaza Purtseladze. Whereas the conference participants were welcomed by the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia - Tamar Sanikidze and Deputy British Ambassador to Georgia - Ms. Tiffany Sadler.
The conference aims to introduce special educational needs (CCM) and inclusive educational issues to the Georgian educational policy-makers, to promote the dialogue and discussion regarding a common good – said the director of the British Council – Zaza Purtseladze.
The conference hosted about 120 public school teachers, school principals, supervisors and the representatives of the inclusive education resource centers from Tbilisi and other regions of Georgia.
Inclusion of the study and and the access to the school curriculum for all students is of paramount importance, regardless of the students’ individual challenges. Successful learning and teaching includes all students who contribute to the learning process. Thus, the inclusion must be the interest of everyone and each individual's unique contribution is equally important.
On the first day of the conference, the speakers and participants of the forum discussed the special educational needs policy in Georgia, how inclusive education policy support at the government level, and what is currently present. They also reviewed the challenges. British expert spoke about the UK's policies and practices in the field of special educational needs, and emphasized the importance of quality teaching and learning for everyone, regardless the physical abilities.
The second day was devoted to issues such as inclusive education and its implementation, this type of learning, its challenges and practical strategies. Speakers also discussed ways of identifying special needs, drawing up plans to deal with the individual learning process and the importance of student assessment issues. Special attention will be paid to the socio-emotional behavioral disorders and attention-deficit hyperactivity syndrome.