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PSS is lauded for inclusive education
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Posted on Feb 18 1999
The on-going efforts of the Public School System towards the inclusion of students with disabilities recently received commendation from a high ranking official in Washington D.C.
According to assistant coordinator for special education Gary J. Salas, Oleai Elementary School was praised during the Pac-RIM Conference held in Hawaii early this month which gathered educators and parents all over the Pacific.
Assistant Director for Developmental Disabilities Sue Swanson was impressed with its program on inclusion and considered it as one model worth replicating in other territories.
School principal Evelyn Manglona, special education teacher Greg Brindley and parent Steve Sablan represented the CNMI in the conference and shared a video highlighting Oleai’s program for students with disabilities.
The eight-minute video presented the inclusive practices observed by the school. It captured general classroom activities whereby students with disabilities took part. Inclusion also involved their taking part in the general academic curriculum, just like the rest of the students.
Salas said Olea’s program will be used as a spring board to introduce teaching practices on inclusion for the entire PSS. The Special Education program of PSS will maintain a team in each campus working on inclusion.
“The goal is to get the students with disabilities have access to the general curriculum,” he said.
Next month, PSS will start its series of workshops in assisting schools prepare for inclusive programs that will take effect next school year.
The PSS will also strengthen linkages with agencies working towards the betterment of individuals with disabilities. Currently, PSS is working with NMPASI for a parent awareness drive in the CNMI.
