KUSNET Urges TSC to Tackle Critical Issues Hindering Special Needs Education.
The Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) has called on the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to swiftly tackle significant deficiencies in the Special Needs Education (SNE) sector.
During a consultative forum with Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) for SNE from 12 counties at Racecourse Inn in Eldoret, KUSNET Secretary General James Torome outlined critical issues affecting the sector.
He emphasized that the union had recognized various shortcomings that undermine progress in SNE and had submitted these concerns to the Ministry and TSC for prompt action.
Main Challenges Highlighted
Torome identified the following primary challenges:
- Insufficient funding for co-curricular activities for SNE learners
- Inadequate infrastructure in SNE schools
- Outdated assessment tools employed by SNE CSOs
- Ineffective monitoring of schools due to a lack of vehicles and financial resources
- Absence of regular capacity-building programs for SNE teachers
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He also pointed out that negative attitudes from stakeholders hindered the establishment of new units and that the exclusion of individuals with SNE expertise from County Education Boards remained a critical oversight.
Positive Developments and Further Recommendations
Despite these challenges, Torome expressed gratitude to the TSC for establishing a division dedicated to coordinating SNE activities at the commission’s headquarters.
He urged the TSC to further decentralize this directorate down to the sub-county level for more effective oversight.
Furthermore, he commended the Commission for making substantial strides in deploying SNE teachers to regular schools, special schools, and units nationwide.
He encouraged the TSC to accelerate the recruitment and deployment of SNE teachers to prevocational levels, which align with grades 7 and 8 in SNE schools.
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The CSOs expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s minimal efforts regarding funding for the SNE sector.
They noted that their responsibilities encompass all areas of the ministry, yet they receive insufficient attention, particularly in monitoring co-curricular activities at all educational levels.
KUSNET Urges TSC to Tackle Critical Issues Hindering Special Needs Education.
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