24 October 2007
The Western Cape Education Department's (WCED) focus in its 2007/08
Strengthening of Special Schools Programme is the enabling of these special
schools to function as resource centres that provide curriculum support to
mainstream schools.
So said Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore today (Wednesday 24
October) in his keynote address to a workshop hosted by the SA National
Association for Special Education (SANASE), and attended by principals of
special needs schools and officials from the department's head and district
offices.
Said MEC Dugmore: "The WCED Directorate: Specialised Education Support
Services has received almost R1-million from the national Department of
Education to be used specifically for this purpose.
"Workshops are being held for all special schools, including teachers from
units at primary schools. Schools are grouped for workshops according to types
of disability, specialisation and band.
"Many questions about curriculum in special schools have been asked at these
workshops, and some of them still need to be answered. These questions have
been communicated to the national Department.
"However, the outcomes to be achieved through this Special Schools'
Strengthening Project are the following:
* Special school principals are equipped to manage the National Curriculum
Statement in their schools.
* Special schoolteachers are equipped to implement the National Curriculum
Statement in their classrooms and to assist colleagues in mainstream schools
with curriculum implementation for learners experiencing barriers to
learning.
* Curriculum officials gain insight into the particular challenges faced by
teachers and learners in special schools.
* Suggestions for adaptations of teaching methodology and assessment are
compiled in order to contribute to the national process.
* Special school staffs have an opportunity to network with one another and
with WCED curriculum officials to strengthen support mechanisms."
For full text of speech, visit http://www.capegateway.gov.za/education
For enquiries, contact: Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 550 3938
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
24 October 2007
