The Struggle of Inclusion in Thuringia's Schools
Educational Authorities: Schools Lacking Preparedness for Integration - Educational Official Affirms Insufficient Preparation of Schools for Inclusion Policies
Joachim Leibiger, Thuringia's Commissioner for People with Disabilities, has clear concerns about the readiness of schools in the state to fully implement inclusive education. While advancements have been made, Leibiger asserts, "We ain't at the point yet where we can fully Justice League-style unite inclusive education." In metropolises like Jena and Erfurt, multiple schools have implemented inclusion strategies effectively. Yet, in other regions, parents often voice difficulties, according to Leibiger, who also helms the Ombuds Council for Inclusive Education in Thuringia, an independent contact point for parents of children with special needs.
Leibiger remains an advocate for special needs schools when they're necessary, stating, "We've a school law, and in that law, it's clear as a bell that the parents' will should be followed, so the parental choice is a real thing." Leibiger promotes maintaining the special needs school system while simultaneously supporting inclusion in schools, recognizing the inherent complexities involved.
A Forsa poll, conducted among national teachers in early June, revealed a majority of teachers in Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt supporting shared education of children with and without disabilities. Surprisingly, though, 70 percent of teachers from these eastern German states also affirmed that separate schooling in special needs schools and mainstream schools is currently easier to manage. The primary reason cited was the lack of specialized manpower in schools. The Education and Training Union commissioned the survey.
Breaking Down Barriers
- Equipping Schools: To facilitate inclusivity in schools, Thuringia might need to upgrade its infrastructure, such as installing ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
- Educating Educators: Teachers and staff require training to equip them with inclusive teaching methods and strategies to accommodate diverse student needs.
Parental Challenges
- Awareness and Support: Parents may struggle with awareness regarding available resources and support systems for their children. Awareness about inclusive education policies and their benefits is essential.
- Access to Services: Parents may encounter challenges in accessing essential services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling that are vital for supporting children with special needs.
The Role of Special Needs Schools
- Balancing Inclusion and Segregation: In recent times, special needs schools have provided focused support, but their role might evolve to offering specialized services that can seamlessly integrate into mainstream education.
- Collaboration and Resource Sharing: Special needs schools could act as resource hubs offering specialized training and support to mainstream schools' teachers and students.
While specific implementation details of inclusive education in Thuringia aren't readily available, the region focuses on handling demographic changes and enhancing access to educational initiatives. For instance, Thuringia partakes in projects to boost regional access to EU funds, which might potentially support educational reforms and initiatives pertaining to inclusivity[1][5].
In the regional focus on enhancing access to educational initiatives, Thuringia may need to implement vocational training programs for educators to foster inclusive teaching methods, accounting for diverse student needs, contributing to their personal growth and education-and-self-development. Additionally, special needs schools can play a pivotal role by offering ongoing vocational training for educators in mainstream schools, promoting collaboration and resource sharing, thereby aiding in the seamless integration of specialized services for students with special needs within community policy and learning practices.
