Learning Without Limits: Creating Inclusive Classrooms

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• published: 27 Feb 2017
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Learning Without Limits: Creating Inclusive Classrooms How can we create an inclusive education system that supports Special Education Needs (SEN) students and better enables them to achieve their potential? Key points discussed - Evaluating how the educational system currently identifies and places SEN students in schools and how are their needs met - The nature and configuration of support that should be allocated to schools to develop the potential of SEN students - Understanding how to measure the improved educational outcomes as a result of such educational support - How global collaboration can help further the prospects of SEN students in the wider world Ms Ayesha Kasuri (Moderator) School Head, Beaconhouse-Newlands Islamabad Ms Ayesha Kasuri is a trained and certified early childhood educator. She completed her graduate and postgraduate studies at Kinnaird College, before moving to Virginia, USA in 1998. There she joined the Montessori Academy Internationale, a programme which culminates in a Master of Education degree in conjunction with Loyola University. The Montessori Academy Internationale (AMI) is an institute founded by Maria Montessori to carry on her life’s work. Ms Kasuri has worked closely with the 0-6 age group and has helped design and implement several early childhood programmes in the US. After being a teacher, consultant and trainer, Ms Kasuri joined TNS as the head of the Early Years in January 2009. She diverged slightly from her Montessori path when she attended the Reggio International conference in Singapore where she was inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, the overarching philosophy at TNS. In the summer of 2011, she became a teacher trainer for project-based learning. She earned her credits from two different organisations: the Buck Institute for Education, which is the pioneer and leading institute for PBL, and the University of Aurora in Chicago. Ms Kasuri is currently School Head Beaconhouse-Newlands Islamabad. Ms Amina Ali (Panellist) Educator Ms Amina Ali is an educator since 1997. She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development and Teaching from the Michigan State University. Ms Ali has formerly taught at the Lahore American School (1997-2007). She established a multi-disciplinary clinic for children with special needs in 2011. Lahore Children's Centre is a diagnostic and intervention facility where children's needs are evaluated and they are assisted with an intervention programme. The clinic’s work involves one-to-one therapy, social skills groups, school visits and consultations, developing IEPs, parent support and counselling and now has a very customised special needs Montessori programme as well. Mr Anis ur Rehman (Panellist) Vice Chairman, Special Olympics Pakistan Mr Anis ur Rehman is an electrical and mechanical engineer by profession with an experience of 50 years in different manufacturing industries. Mr Rehman also works for an NGO, Special Olympics Pakistan as Vice Chairman. The NGO is affiliated with Special Olympics Incorporated USA and provides year round sport training to special children with different abilities. These children compete in the Special Olympics World Games. Mr Muhammad Waqas (Panellist) Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer, WonderTree Mr Muhammad Waqas is the co-founder of WonderTree, a platform that offers augmented reality games for children with special education needs. Working closely with special education teachers, occupational therapists and psychologists, the startup has currently developed four games that are best suited for children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD and other mental disabilities. These games are designed to impact the cognitive development of these children. Analysing this data can provide parents with information on their child’s progress, as well as recommendations on how to improve certain skills and abilities. For WonderTree, the data is used to modify and update the games in order to make them more effective. Ms Rubi Mahmood (Panellist) Programme Manager, School Development Division , Abu Dhabi Education Council Ms Rubi Mahmood started her career as a primary teacher, and has worked in both state and private schools in England and the UAE. Her work has included an education reform project, coaching and mentoring school leaders and teachers with the Centre for British Teachers (CFBT), and a professional development project with Nord Anglia as a curriculum and training specialist lead. At present, Ms Mahmood is working with the Abu Dhabi Education Council as part of the private schools sector in the school development division. She is interested in Special Education Needs (SEN), leadership in schools, continuous professional development (CPD) and using technology in schools. Ms Mahmood is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Education at the University of Derby in England in Effective Teacher Professional Development.