Thursday, March 8 2007
This article fits the category of education and social contexts. It is taken from The Straits Times of Thursday, March 8 2007
This article fits the category of education and social contexts. It is taken from The Straits Times of Thursday, March 8 2007
I have always lived by the principle that everyone in society should be treated equally and justifiably fairly.
The ministry of education has finally taken steps after several unanswered calls from the MPs to focus more on education quality in special schools such that they do not lose out. These people receiving special education include to people are disabled physical or mentally as well as poorer children who cannot afford to study in mainstream school.
This word “special” termed for their education system should indicate the difference in the approach of teaching them (perhaps methods, pace etc.), but standard of the education should not be specially compromised.
They are already at a natural disadvantage. Some are visually or hearing impaired. Others are autistic or have certain diseases. Nevertheless, they themselves are humans, innocent ones. Doesn’t it show clearly that we should shift our focus more on these children not as a sign of sympathy but a genuine concern to allow them to be integrated into society?
Our government always emphasizes equal opportunities amongst citizens. However, evident in the article, all the while it hasn’t been in context of education. If the education ministry keeps focusing on developing the normal students and grooming them into serving elites or elite servants of the nation, won’t it eventually create a greater social gap between the normal and these special students which is undeniably unwelcome? Children shouldn’t be underprivileged and therefore these efforts are implemented from as elementary as pre-school level.
Fortunately, plans have been implemented like working with special schools to develop targets for learning outcomes, and help audit these schools for quality assurance. More resources will be deposited but what I favour most is the effort and plan to integrate this children into the mainstream education system or satellite classes.
This word “special” termed for their education system should indicate the difference in the approach of teaching them (perhaps methods, pace etc.), but standard of the education should not be specially compromised.
They are already at a natural disadvantage. Some are visually or hearing impaired. Others are autistic or have certain diseases. Nevertheless, they themselves are humans, innocent ones. Doesn’t it show clearly that we should shift our focus more on these children not as a sign of sympathy but a genuine concern to allow them to be integrated into society?
Our government always emphasizes equal opportunities amongst citizens. However, evident in the article, all the while it hasn’t been in context of education. If the education ministry keeps focusing on developing the normal students and grooming them into serving elites or elite servants of the nation, won’t it eventually create a greater social gap between the normal and these special students which is undeniably unwelcome? Children shouldn’t be underprivileged and therefore these efforts are implemented from as elementary as pre-school level.
Fortunately, plans have been implemented like working with special schools to develop targets for learning outcomes, and help audit these schools for quality assurance. More resources will be deposited but what I favour most is the effort and plan to integrate this children into the mainstream education system or satellite classes.
This clearly shows the confidence, determination of the government and assurance to parents to raise this nation with equality in terms of education and given equal opportunities to return his service. Given the number of special schools here, I am convinced the focus of implementation will be more central and feasible.
I personally am very fortunate to receive well rounded education. Though I pity those who are disabled, I am inclined to poorer children. They are physically normal and have the potential to be developed, thus capable in serving the nation. Yet, from such a young age, their future has been ruined because of financial difficulties. The government, interested in raising a capable nation, has taken the initiative to provide funding.
From parents’ perspectives, their only wish is to see their children being treated equally even though they are disadvantaged and in term be able to serve capably in a reasonable capacity. Mindsets of disadvantaged or poorer people doing manual or blue collar worker’s jobs will soon be removed because I trust that with efforts to raise standards (quality, resources etc.) on special education, they can be integrated into normal society and be capable in serving the nation and himself in future.
I personally am very fortunate to receive well rounded education. Though I pity those who are disabled, I am inclined to poorer children. They are physically normal and have the potential to be developed, thus capable in serving the nation. Yet, from such a young age, their future has been ruined because of financial difficulties. The government, interested in raising a capable nation, has taken the initiative to provide funding.
From parents’ perspectives, their only wish is to see their children being treated equally even though they are disadvantaged and in term be able to serve capably in a reasonable capacity. Mindsets of disadvantaged or poorer people doing manual or blue collar worker’s jobs will soon be removed because I trust that with efforts to raise standards (quality, resources etc.) on special education, they can be integrated into normal society and be capable in serving the nation and himself in future.
(499 words)
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