Deputy Prime Minister Yu Eun-hye and Minister of Education visited Seoul Narae School in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 10th for on-site inspection of special schools in preparation for the new semester. Provided by the Ministry of Education
Students with disabilities attending special schools and special classes in general schools will be able to attend school every day from the new semester next month to step 2.5 of social distancing to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19). General schools allow students with disabilities to receive face-to-face education at school or at home even in the third stage of transition to distance learning.
On the 23rd, the Ministry of Education announced’A plan to support education for students with disabilities in preparation for the new semester of 2021, which strengthens support for classes in special schools and special classes in general schools.
Social distancing is a stepping stone to school once or twice a week by adjusting the school density in stages, but it is pointed out that irregular school attendance rather adversely affects the formation of’routines’ considering the specificity of the lifestyle and training method of students with disabilities. It has been raised mainly by groups of parents of students with disabilities.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Education decided to exclude special schools and special classes from the standard of attendance concentration until step 2.5 of social distancing, in which general schools must observe one-third of the density, and take classes to school as a rule. The specific method of attending school is decided by the school taking into account the trend of corona19 infection by region. Even in the third stage of transition to full distance learning, students with disabilities can receive one-on-one or one-on-two face-to-face education at school or at home.
In addition, the Ministry of Education decided to appoint 374 fixed-term teachers for a limited time in special classes in elementary schools this year to ensure stable academic management of special classes. In addition, about 700 preparatory special teachers from universities will be put into kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school special classes to support educational activities.
Out-of-school care services available to students with disabilities when school is stopped due to the spread of infectious diseases. Provided by the Ministry of Education
By reinforcing caring support, it was decided to expand the number of support personnel for caring participation in special classes in general schools, and to operate in connection with care providers with after-school activities in the local community. In the event of a confirmed case in the school or suspension of school due to local group infection, support for the care of students with disabilities is provided through an activity support service for the disabled in connection with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and local governments, emergency care at the Social Service Center, and emergency care at the Family Support Center Plan.
To support remote classes for students with disabilities, the Ministry of Education is also setting up a remote education platform that provides services such as screen manipulation aids, alternative text, real-time subtitle support, and voice playback speed control. It will also develop 70 customized learning materials, including virtual (VR) and augmented (AR) type experience materials and parent learning materials to support in-home parenting.
For students with disabilities whose maladaptation behavior has increased due to the prolonged corona 19, five behavioral intervention support centers will be established this year, and five will be added next year. Behavioral intervention experts who can be in charge of action intervention planning, implementation, and evaluation in connection with the university also decided to train 150 people in five districts this year.
On the other hand, regarding the priority vaccination of caring teachers for children with disabilities, an official from the Ministry of Education said, “The vaccination will begin in the third quarter, but we are discussing with the quarantine authorities to speed up the vaccination period for the faculty.”
Soyoung Park reporter [email protected]
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