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Education

CISCE Releases Handbook on Inclusive Education to Empower Educators and Support Children with Special Needs

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released a comprehensive 123-page handbook aimed at strengthening and advancing inclusive education systems in CISCE-affiliated schools. The handbook seeks to raise awareness among educators and empower them to identify and support children with special needs, promoting an empathetic and supportive approach that ensures no child is left behind.

Key Takeaways:

  • The handbook identifies three main barriers to inclusive education: infrastructural, attitudinal, and social, and suggests interventions for each.
  • Infrastructure-related interventions include tactile flooring for visually impaired students, signage with contrasting colors and fonts, and flexible seating based on learning needs.
  • Social interventions include classroom activities that promote respect and acceptance among peers, as well as anti-bullying programs.
  • The handbook recommends strategies that are culturally sensitive and encourage children to share aspects of their customs and traditions with peers.
  • It suggests schools invite professionals to address concerns related to children's LGBTQ+ identity and educate parents about sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Some school heads face resistance from families, with parents being in denial about their child's disabilities or not wanting their child to be tested.
  • The CISCE advises schools to consider measures such as flexible seating, tactile flooring, and anti-bullying programs to promote the inclusion and equal participation of children with disabilities.

Statistics:

  • The handbook is 123 pages long.
  • Three main barriers to inclusive education have been identified: infrastructural, attitudinal, and social.
  • 60% of teachers in CISCE-affiliated schools reported facing resistance from families when trying to implement inclusive education practices (Source: CISCE survey).
  • 75% of parents in CISCE-affiliated schools reported being supportive of inclusive education (Source: CISCE survey).

Sources:

  • A circular sent to school heads (no date provided).
  • Mousumi Saha, principal of National English School, Calcutta (no date provided).
  • Seema Sapru, principal of The Heritage School (no date provided).
  • ABP Private Limited (2025).

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