1. Creating Pathways to Inclusive Education: The Jamaican Experience
Michele A. Meredith (PhD) Special Education Coordinator Ministry of Education Kingston, Jamaica
Creating Pathways to Inclusive Education: The Jamaican Experience

2. Contents
Background
Educational Landscape
Service Coverage for Special Education
System Challenge
Response: Education System Transformation and Reform
Management of Special Needs
The Road Ahead

3. Background: Map of Jamaica

4. Background: School Map of Jamaica

5. Educational Landscape
Access and Equity – Free education (1970’s)
Greater access for all
Government aid
More schools constructed
Assistance for uniforms, meals
Equitable access for enrolment and access to schools
Common Entrance Examination
Independent and Government-aided schools

6. Student Engagement

7. Student Engagement Mathematics Fair Read Across Jamaica

8. Capacity Building
Cultural Exposure

9. Service Coverage for Special Education
Formal Education for Special Needs
Continued educational reform
Free education
Organized advocacy through NGOs
Bi-lateral agreement Netherlands/Jamaican governments (1970s)
Special Education Training
Regional diagnostic, therapeutic and research facility
Special Education (self-contained) Units across the island

10. Service Coverage for Special Education
Educational Provision
Segregated and integrated settings serving varied areas of disability:
Physical
Intellectual
Sensory
Socio-emotional
Primary and secondary schools
Private and government-owned schools
Increased teacher training programmes in special education

11. Performance Challenges
Employment
Economic Growth
Social
and
Educational Progress
Achievement
Access
Education to
Grade Four Benchmarks
Grade Six Achievement Tests
Secondary school exit exams

12. System Challenge Underperformance Underachievement Inequity

14. Response: System Transformation and Reform
Transformation Activities and Initiatives
Introduction of systems to for improved governance and management
National College of Educational Leadership
Responsible for the training of principals
National Education Inspectorate
Responsible for inspection and monitoring for school improvement
Introduction of agencies to promote and support professional development and capacity-building
Jamaica Teaching Council
Responsible for licensure and training
Jamaica Tertiary Commission
Responsible for monitoring of tertiary institutions
Space Rationalization and School Construction
Phasing out of a shift system
Construction of new schools

15. Response: System Transformation and Reform
Transformation Activities and Initiatives (cont’d)
Curriculum, Teaching and Learning; Behaviour Management and Monitoring
Literacy and Numeracy
Introduction of a National Standard Curriculum
Quality Assurance Unit
Parent Education and Support
National Parenting Support Commission
Operational Decentralization
Increased autonomy of Regional Education Offices

16. Response: System Transformation and Reform
Curriculum, Teaching and Learning; Behaviour Management and Monitoring
Literacy and Numeracy
Introduction of a National Standard Curriculum
SPECIAL NEEDS

17. Management of Special Needs
Task Force (2014) Recommendations:
Conduct an audit of the special education system
Conduct a demographic study to identify populations and disability categories
Adopt and implement a Policy on Special Education
Provide regulatory amendments to the Education Act of 1980/Code of Regulations
Design and implement a monitoring and evaluation system to gauge the quality of service provision and delivery

18. Management of Special Needs
Task Force Recommendations:
Introduce a school-to-work transition model for preparation for employment, community integration, and independent living.
Develop a formal programme to promote inter-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach to provide educational services.
Develop guidelines that will foster and enhance private and public sector partnerships to support special education. 

19. Management of Special Needs
Identification and Intervention
Proficiency Pathway
Child Find
Capacity building
Sensitization of school leadership and practitioners
Professional Development
Ministry of Education officer corps
Inclusive approach to education
Sustainable Programmes
Alternative Secondary Education Programme
Programme for Advanced Learners

20. Management of Special Needs
Public Education and Parent Support
National Parenting Support Commission
Regional information events
Curriculum Adaptation
Curriculum for moderate to severe intellectual disabilities
Stakeholder Engagement
Legislative Support
Policy on Special Education
Amendments to the Education Act (1980)
Amendments to the Code of Regulations

23. Identification and Intervention
The Way Forward
Sustainable
Programmes
Capacity Building
Public Education
Stakeholder Engagement
Legislation
Curriculum Adaptation
Identification and Intervention