Under the title “Special Education and Inclusive Education” we can find a variety of theories, systems and ways of working, depending on the needs of the people who are included in these programs. a process of addressing and responding to the diversity of needs of all learners through inclusive practices in learning, cultures and communities and reduction of exclusion within and from education.
In order to develop the skills, experience and confidence to be inclusive of all children, teachers need to learn about and practice inclusive education, and they need to be given opportunities for continuing professional development throughout their careers.
The goal of the course is to introduce the educators to the ways Israel copes with the subject and to the different ideas and ways of working with students with special needs. The course aims to empower the participants as role models with specific seniority, experience, leadership, full understanding of the subject and training.
In the process of planning the course we considered the newest and most accurate contents and processes going on in the Israeli Educational System as well as international aspects.
Aims
-To introduce the participants to the Division of Special Education guidelines; to different theories, approaches and technologies, such as Self Advocacy, Sexual Education for people with special needs, etc.
-To introduce the different activities and programs that different schools (inclusive and segregated) have for students with special needs
-To provide tools for equitable and quality education
-To provide tools and guidelines for curricular development. This means to use the National Core Curriculum and adapt it to each student’s abilities and difficulties
-To advance teaching methods for specific subject-matters (science, language, etc.), as well as interdisciplinary subject areas, tailored specifically for each student in the special education system
-To provide guidelines for establishing pedagogical resource centers, regionally and locally, for teacher training and support
-To enable participants to choose the methods and tools suitable to the particular needs of their environments
-To provide a base for future activities according to the needs of the different realities
Main Subjects
- Presentation of the policies established by the Division of Special Education in the State of Israel
-New outlooks on the concepts of “Special Education" and “Person with Special Needs” (in contrast with “disabled person”)
-Presentation of the different sub-divisions in special education, such as education for the visually impaired, hearing impaired, autistic, mentally impaired, etc.
-Presentation of the policies regarding early detection and placement of the people with special needs in the proper institution for him/her, within the frame of the Division of Special Education
-Learning to design a curriculum based on good practices from a development perspective
-Presenting methods and activities that empower the student with special needs to speak out for him/herself (self advocacy)
Practices to motivate and empower teachers to improve teaching skills:
1. Self-confidence, self-learning and self-assessment
2. Teaching skills and tools to implement the adapted curriculum
3. Establishing contacts with other teachers and educators in order to increase awareness and expand ideas and opinions
-Analysis of the role and place of educational personnel in national awareness of the subject and against discrimination
-Learning new frameworks and methods for using the Internet as a database of information and also as an interface for working with special needs students
-Allowing creative thinking to be part of the day-to-day work - as an attitude and as a work tool.
Methodology
The Ofri International Training Center has developed a unique, holistic approach that takes into consideration the emotional and creative aspects of the pedagogical process. Its working methods enable program participants to make practical use of theoretical knowledge.
-Lectures and discussions led by experts
-Workshops
-Analysis of educational planning through written material and professional visits
-Meetings with institutional administrators and acquaintance with projects at the national and regional levels
-Simulations, panel discussions, and group work
- Preparation of final projects by individuals or groups
-Study tours at schools, educational centers, universities, teacher training institutions and pedagogical resource centers
Application forms
Location and Accommodation
MASHAV awards a limited number of scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfers to and from the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included in the scholarship.
Health Services
Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been inoculated against tetanus in the last ten years. Subject to the full binding policy conditions. Participants are responsible for all other expenses.
The course will be held at the A. Ofri International Training Center, situated in the Ramat Rachel Hotel on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Participants will be accommodated in double rooms (two participants per room).