Inclusive Education Revolution: All Must Enroll

The New Era of Inclusive Education: Abu Dhabi Schools Must Admit Every Child

A revolutionary change has been introduced in the functioning of Abu Dhabi schools, thanks to a new education policy by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The main innovation: schools can no longer simply reject students with special needs or learning difficulties. Instead, they are obliged to provide detailed reasons for why they cannot support the child, and ADEK decides whether the school's justification is acceptable or not. This step marks a significant advancement in inclusive education, ensuring that every child is given a chance at proper education.

Essence of the New Rules

According to the new regulation, schools are required to admit every student, regardless of whether they have special needs. If a school feels it cannot adequately support a student, it must submit a detailed written report to ADEK, clearly outlining the limitations preventing the student's admission. The ADEK's inclusion team will then review the case and make a decision on whether the school's justification is acceptable. If they determine that the school could indeed support the student, they can override the school's decision and mandate the child's admission.

The director of ADEK's education policy office emphasized that schools are now required to admit every student, and if they cannot provide the necessary support, they must report it to ADEK. "If they view that the school could indeed support the student, they will reject the school's decision and compel the child's admission," he explained.

Support for Parents and Schools

The new regulation not only aids schools but also parents. If a parent faces difficulties placing their child in school, they can turn to ADEK's customer support for assistance. ADEK also provides options for students who may not be comfortable in a traditional school setting, such as placement in special schools.

Schools are not only tasked with admitting students but also actively participating in the inclusion process. According to the new rules, every school must establish a special inclusion team to implement inclusion across all areas of the school. "It is the school's responsibility to do its utmost to support students and ensure that every child receives proper education," he stressed.

Technological Support and New Terminology

The new policy introduces not only practical changes but new terminology as well. For instance, the previously known "shadow teachers" are now referred to as "inclusion assistants." According to the new rules, assistants can only help a student in the classroom if it is proven that the student needs them for at least 50% of the lessons.

Moreover, schools can now apply for assistive technologies from ADEK if they have students requiring special tools for learning. "For example, if a student is visually impaired, the school can apply for a Braille typewriter," he said.

Consequences of Violating the Rules

Schools face serious consequences if they do not comply with the new rules. ADEK first offers an opportunity to adhere to the rules, but if the school continues to resist, it will face fines, and the situation could lead to very serious consequences.

Broadening Inclusion

The new policy applies not only to students with special needs but also to any child requiring additional learning support, regardless of whether they have an official diagnosis. "If teachers see that a student needs support, they should apply inclusive practices to ensure the right learning conditions for all children," he explained.

To support inclusion, ADEK has introduced the position of inclusion teachers, who are full-fledged educators and not just support staff. These teachers either lead the class or work alongside the teacher in the classroom to assist students needing extra help. They can also collaborate with teachers outside school hours to develop individual learning plans.

Implementation Deadline

The inclusion policy is among the 39 new regulations introduced by ADEK in September 2023. Schools have until September 2026 to fully comply with the new regulations. This period allows schools to gradually adapt to the new requirements and ensure a fair and supportive educational environment for all children.

Thus, Abu Dhabi's new education policy not only offers opportunities for students with special needs but is part of a broader societal change emphasizing inclusion and equal opportunities. This step not only improves the quality of education but also contributes to enabling every child to reach their full potential.