02-08-16 Ministry undertakes broad expansion of special education

For the first time in eight years, the education ministry has founded additional special education structures, including induction classes. In conditions of economic crisis, the ministry has managed to increase integration classes by 20 percent, and special education schooling has risen by eight percent.

Government policies over the last years, which downgraded educational programmes for students with physical and learning disabilities, are therefore being reversed, because covering the needs of all children is the sole criterion.

Following an exhaustive dialogue with and proposals from the educational community, the ministry is announcing the establishment 538 new induction classes in primary and secondary schools, and the creation of 23 new special education schools.

In 2016-17, there will be an additional 61 additional induction classes at kindergartens, 351 at primary schools, 126 at high schools, three at special education kindergartens, nine at primary schools, five at workshops of special vocational education and training (E.E.E.E.K.), and nine at vocational high schools.

 In addition, 12 new high school classes are being established at Special Education Vocational High Schools.

All of the above initiatives will greatly strengthen the existing special education network, ensuring suitable studies and integration of students with disabilities and/or special education needs, in all regions of the country.

Already, the ministry had increased hiring of special education substitutes in the 2015-2016 school year, and there will be more hirings in 2016-17.