'Teacher shortage does not hinder opening of special education classes'

PARLIAMENT | The shortage of trained Integrated Special Education Programme teachers is not a hindrance to opening special education classes in schools that require them, as existing non-option special education teachers can fill these positions.

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said non-option teachers would undergo a three-day special education exposure course provided by the Education Ministry to prepare them for teaching in these classes.

Moreover, these teachers would receive a monthly allowance of RM250, on par with special education option teachers.

"Teachers who are not specialised in special education will receive training focused on improving their abilities to manage students with special needs, as well as training in the Primary School Literacy and Numeracy Programme (Plan)," Wong (above) said.

"... they will also undergo training to enhance their pedagogical skills, deepen their subject knowledge in special education and improve their digital and ICT competencies. This short-term initiative aims to equip existing teachers to teach in special education classrooms effectively.”

He said this during a Special Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat today in reply to Cha Kee Chin (Harapan-Rasah), who asked whether the shortage posed a challenge to establishing special education classes, particularly in Chinese schools.

At the same time, he emphasised that the ministry plans annually for the recruitment of Bachelor of Teaching Degree Programme candidates to meet the staffing needs across schools nationwide.

These projections are based on the country's educational requirements for the next five years, ensuring that the ministry can adequately cater to the needs of students from various backgrounds.

- Bernama

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