The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released a new handbook to promote inclusive education across its affiliated schools. This handbook is specially designed to guide teachers and school administrators on how to support children with special needs, including physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. It offers detailed strategies and real-life examples that schools can use to make their classrooms more accessible, welcoming, and supportive.
I chose to write on this topic because inclusive education is not just a buzzword—it is the need of the hour. There are thousands of students across India who have unique learning requirements. Often, they are either overlooked or made to feel like outsiders in mainstream classrooms. This new initiative by CISCE is a step in the right direction, but it’s equally important to spread awareness among parents, teachers, and education planners. This topic matters because inclusive education is about basic dignity. It ensures that no child is left behind just because of a disability or difference. As someone who cares about equal access to education, I believe we all must understand and support such initiatives.
What Is the Handbook About?
The new handbook by CISCE serves as a guide for implementing inclusive practices in classrooms. It’s titled “Inclusive Education – Guidelines for Schools,” and it’s aimed at teachers, heads of schools, and even parents.
Here’s what the handbook includes:
- Understanding disabilities: A section to help educators understand various types of learning and developmental disabilities like autism, dyslexia, ADHD, hearing or visual impairments
- Assessment guidelines: How to assess children with special needs fairly, without putting them at a disadvantage
- Teaching strategies: Methods like using visual aids, simplified instructions, peer support, and flexible seating arrangements
- Examples and case studies: Real-life classroom situations where inclusive strategies have helped students perform better
- Counselling and emotional support: How schools can support the mental health of children with special needs
Why This Matters for Indian Schools
Inclusive education is still a developing concept in many Indian classrooms. While some private and international schools have adopted certain measures, most regular schools are still catching up. According to the 2011 Census, over 20 lakh children in India between ages 5 to 19 have some form of disability. Yet, many of them face difficulties in attending mainstream schools due to lack of infrastructure or trained teachers.
CISCE’s move to release this handbook is important because:
- It sets an example for other school boards to follow
- It provides practical solutions instead of just theoretical ideas
- It makes inclusive education easier to understand and implement for schools that are just starting out
A Step Towards Policy Implementation
This handbook aligns with the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which also stresses inclusive education. NEP clearly says that children with disabilities must have the right to quality education at par with others.
But policies alone don’t work unless people on the ground are trained and guided. That’s where this handbook fills the gap. It brings NEP’s inclusive education goals closer to daily classroom practice.
What More Can Be Done?
While this initiative is a welcome step, a few more efforts can make it more effective:
- Teacher training programmes: Regular workshops and sessions to help teachers use the handbook effectively
- Monitoring and feedback: Schools should be encouraged to share success stories or challenges so that the handbook can be updated regularly
- Collaboration with experts: Special educators, therapists, and NGOs should be part of the school support system
- Parent involvement: Parents must be made aware that their children have the right to inclusive education and support
