How can you ensure that educational reform benefits all students, not just a few?

Equity and inclusion are the core values and principles of the 21st century, as they ensure that every individual has the right and the access to quality education, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstance. Education needs to provide learners with personalized and differentiated learning experiences, by supporting their holistic development and well-being, and by empowering them to make positive contributions to the society.

Foundation for Equity: Inclusive policies are the backbone of an equitable system. They ensure non-discrimination based on factors like race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background. Supporting Diverse Learners: Inclusive policies can address the needs of students with different learning styles, disabilities, and backgrounds. Flexible Learning Environments: Policies supporting flexible learning, like allowing for differentiated instruction or personalized learning plans, can only be effective if they are inclusive. Community Involvement: Inclusive policies can encourage open communication and collaboration with families and community organizations from diverse backgrounds.

In South Africa, 81% of 10 year old learners cannot read for meaning. Matric students are unable to analyse and interpret questions because they have been taught to rote learn. The pass rate for essential subjects is 30%. The classrooms are overcrowded - 120 students , 4 to a desk There are no books, never mind lap tops, tablets or any form of high speed internet & are also subjected to 'load shedding' which means no electricity and have to study by candlelight. Most students come from single parent families who cannot afford access to high level education and instead are educated by any 'warm body' from the community who care enough to step in and try their best. "inclusion" does not exist in our Education policy.

In South Africa, bringing back Teacher Training Colleges would be a good start. Expecting students to get a Masters degree in their subject especially STEM subjects. Anyone that has a degree in Maths, Physics or Chemistry is not going to take up teaching as a profession. Trainee teachers also need mentorship in their first post. The first year is very challenging and at the schools I have worked at have no induction or support. This results in a guaranteed teacher burnout and turnaround which results in non - qualified teachers are left to pick up the pieces. We have a shortage of 31 000 teachers here AND the same amount of newly qualified are unable to find employment. 50% of all teachers are set to retire in 10 years. What now?

“Of all the African’s countries, South African society is suffering [the most] from the impact of a public education system failing on a massive scale,” In essential subjects Maths and Science, SA came] 143 out of 144 countries surveyed, only better than Yemen - a conflict-ridden, poor country.” Dr Mamphela Ramphele, former vice chancellor of the University of Cape Town Upgrading school I am in discussions with a UK counterpart with a view to fund raise and donate to underserved communications with emphasis on special needs. Sounds like a great idea but after speaking to parents and teachers in these communities and they have indicated that all the resources and fundraising will be siphoned to corrupt officials. What now?

Educational reforms will benefit all students, by considering following things: While drafting policies the vision of all inclusiveness should run at the back of mind. While developing curriculum, diversified approach must be there. Diversified community engagement adds something to the diversified curriculum design and delivery. Time to time organising teacher training programs and refresher programs for the teachers will play vital role in percolation of reforms in policy. Creating environment that gives a feeling of liberty to every student is very essential. It is the only way to seek true feedbacks.

It requires an inclusive design from the outset. For example - our development of VR content is guided by universal design principles, ensuring accessibility for students with diverse learning needs and backgrounds. Regular community engagement and feedback loops help us identify and address any disparities. By fostering an inclusive educational environment, we ensure that every student benefits from our initiatives, not just a select few.