The state government has decided to change education for the better
for differently-abled students and those with learning disabilities.
Maharashtra State Board for Secondary and Higher Secondary
Education (MSBSHSE) issued a circular on July 2 allowing such students
in classes IX and X a wider choice of subjects and introducing changes
in exams and evaluation from this academic year.
Now, visually-impaired, spastic, hearing-impaired, autistic and students with learning disabilities can drop science for alternative subjects such as health and home sciences.
The mathematics theory paper will now carry only 50 marks while the remaining 50 will be given for project work done during an academic year.
The subject work experience will now be known as work education and instead of three languages, such students could opt for two work education subjects and one language.
"Differently-abled students have the option of choosing between health science and home sciences in place of general science, a subject they find difficult. We have asked schools to make teachers, special educators and parents aware of the changes and begin implementation," said Krishna Patil, secretary, MSBSHSE.
The move, he claimed, would encourage more disabled students to take the SSC board exam.
"This facility will be available to students who are blind, deaf, physically handicapped, those with learning and other disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spastic and autistic students."
However, the biggest relief for these students is that MSBSHSE has chosen class VII maths textbook for classes IX and X.
"We are thankful to the state board for taking a decision that favours thousands of students who find it difficult to cope with the regular curriculum. We will start implementing the changes immediately after a PTA meeting," said Shubhda Karnik of Dnyanasadhana school for differently-abled.
Source : The Indian Express , 9th July 2013
This is wonderful news. I can relate to the struggles of some of these differently-abled students. My daughter was born with a learning disability that prevented her from attending some of her normal classes. She was able to take online high school courses that catered to her particular learning style, and helped her complete her education.
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