Course Description

The UAE has launched the National Policy to Empower People of Determination with Pillar 2 dedicated entirely to Education. Goal one of pillar two aims specifically at redesigning and adapting provision to respond to the needs of people of determination. By fostering a culture of strategic planning, sharing practice, knowledge and collective inquiry this Inclusion PLC aims to improve inclusive educational practice, raise awareness around optimised inclusion and ultimately improve outcomes for students of determination.

Learning Outcomes

• Improve partnerships with all stakeholders in providing robust, wholistic and impactful support for teachers, leaders and practitioners in inclusive education
• Improve the process of identification and provision for students of determination  and G&T
• Improve partnerships with all stakeholders in providing robust, wholistic and impactful support for students of determination
• Improve the provision review process to ensure the best outcomes for students
• Improve opportunities for next steps for transitions through sections and to third level

Course Delivery

Based on the Carnegie Model this targeted PLC will embrace the four characteristics of a functional network. A well specified, focused aim - to improve outcomes for students of determination - will frame the development of deep understanding of problems faced by regulators, teachers, practitioners and students who experience barriers to their learning. The course will be delivered online with optional face to face meetings. 1 hour webinars will take place one the first Wednesday of each month over a 6 month period beginning in October. Custer groups will be assigned a leader and will meet for 1 hour every 2 weeks. Tasks will be set at the start of each month and reviewed on an ongoing basis. The majority of tasks will reflect ‘on the job practice’ and should be absorbed into the general school day. Additional reading and activities amounting to c.2 hours per week will be assigned. Assessment will be appraised through:

• Attendance and Participation
• Written Reflections:
• Principles of inclusive Education specific to your setting
• SWOT / SODA of Inclusion
• Current trends
• Development of a comprehensive Inclusion register, IEP and Profile creation of SoDs
• Implementation of a programme of support
• Data analysis - how many SoDs are on track & trajectories
• Inclusion Audit

A functional whatsapp group will be curated facilitating discussion and sharing of resources daily.

Facilitator

Catherine O'Farrell is one of the founders of Incluzun.com, an organisation supporting people of determination in a holistic way across the MENA region. Catherine has been working in education and inclusion for almost 20 years, she has degrees in Education, Psychology and a masters in Engineering. She is passionate about developing opportunities for children with individual needs. She has been a Group Head for some of the region's largest educational providers and has worked with international and national committees from the Global Sustainability Network to the Ministry of Education here in the UAE to push for a more sustainable and inclusive world. Catherine is a regular media contributor and conference speaker.

Award

A certificate in inclusive education for the UAE landscape. All assignments must be passed to attain the certificate.