Tangsel City Government Encourages Inclusive Education, Targets All Schools to Be ABK-Friendly
Tangsellife.com - The Tangerang Selatan City Government (Pemkot) is targeting all educational units, from PAUD, SD, to SMP, to implement inclusive education as an effort to provide equal learning opportunities for all children, including children with special needs (ABK).
The Deputy Mayor of Tangerang Selatan, Pilar Saga Ichsan, said that inclusive education does not mean all students receive the same learning methods.
According to him, each child has different needs, so a tailored approach is required so that they still have equal opportunities to achieve a good future.
“On the contrary, each child needs a different approach so that they have the same opportunity to achieve a good future,” said Pilar when attending the socialization of PP TUNAS at Puspemkot Tangsel.
Equality of Access is the Main Focus
Pilar emphasized that the concept of inclusive education focuses on equality of access to education, not the standardization of learning methods for all students.
“Inclusive means talking about equality. It doesn't mean being taught with the same standards, but with different approaches so that the goal is the same, which is for them to have a bright future,” he said.
Addition of Assistant Teachers is Targeted
To strengthen the implementation of inclusive education, Pemkot Tangsel will continue to increase the number of assistant teachers through a certification program carried out annually.
In addition, the local government is also studying the provision of incentives for assistant teachers as a form of appreciation for the additional duties they perform in schools.
“At least one school has one assistant teacher. We will continue to increase the certification, and in the future, we are formulating the possibility of providing incentives so that they are more motivated,” said Pilar.
Teacher Training and Transportation Services for ABK
In the last two years, Pemkot Tangsel has also improved teacher capacity through various special training programs to equip them with the competence to assist students with special needs.
In addition, Pemkot Tangsel provides free school transportation services for ABK. Currently, there are three special fleets that serve the pick-up and drop-off of students with special needs every day.
“Alhamdulillah, currently there are three vehicles that are always full of children with special needs. This shows that the presence of the local government is very appropriate,” he said.
