Inclusive education is an equally accessible educational process within which the admission of all students is ensured based on their individual educational needs and capabilities.

Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

A student with special educational needs (hereinafter – SEN student) is a student who faces learning difficulties, cannot meet the minimum requirements of the National Curriculum for their respective grade, and/or requires adaptation/expansion of the curriculum, environmental adaptation, an alternative curriculum, and/or special educational services.

An SEN student may be a student with:

  • Physical disabilities;
  • Intellectual development disorders;
  • Learning disabilities;
  • Sensory development disorders (hearing and/or visual);
  • Speech and language development disorders;
  • Behavioral and emotional disorders;
  • Need for long-term hospitalization;
  • Learning difficulties caused by social factors;
  • Learning difficulties caused by language barriers.

Special educational needs are confirmed based on the assessment and conclusion of the Ministry's Multidisciplinary Team for Inclusive Education. This team also determines the necessary types of curriculum adaptation, which include: modification, accommodation, Individual Education Plans (IEP), alternative learning goals, alternative curricula, and/or expanded curricula.

The school is obliged to provide curriculum modification, environment accommodation, and, if necessary, the development of alternative learning goals.

Modification

Refers to quantitative and/or qualitative changes to the results defined by the National Curriculum (simplifying or reducing goals).

Accommodation

Refers to changes in the learning environment that do not change the content of the curriculum but facilitate the learning process. This includes:

  • Instructional accommodation;
  • Environmental accommodation;
  • Assessment accommodation;
  • Time and schedule accommodation.

Alternative Learning Goals

Developed for students with severe, profound, or multiple disabilities. The alternative curriculum focuses on functional skills and results-oriented learning through diverse, student-centered strategies.

Individual Education Plan (IEP)

An IEP is a curriculum created by adapting the National Curriculum to meet a student's special educational needs. It is an integral part of the school's overall curriculum.
Important: If learning difficulties are identified, the school must refer the student to the Multidisciplinary Team for evaluation.

Key Details & Timelines

  • Reflects expected learning outcomes for the end of the grade, teaching strategies, additional measures, and environmental adjustments.
  • Must be created within one month of the confirmation of special needs (or within two weeks for previously identified students).
  • May cover all subjects or specific subjects based on the student's needs.

The IEP Group Consists of:

  • The class teacher (lead)
  • Subject teachers
  • Inclusive education specialists
  • Parents / legal representatives
  • Other invited specialists if necessary
The IEP group meets at least four times during the school year to monitor progress and update the plan.

Academic Assessment and Attendance

Core Principle: SEN students are assessed based on the same principles as other students. If an IEP is in place, assessment is based on the achievement of the goals defined within that specific plan.
  • Grading: Semester, annual, and level grades are calculated using standard principles.
  • Exceptions for Advancement: Based on the Multidisciplinary Team's conclusion, exceptions may allow a student to move to the next grade even if they missed certain subjects or were assessed based on only one semester.
  • Adapted Exams: If a school-wide annual exam is required, the school must provide adapted exam materials based on the student's IEP.

Home Schooling

Condition: If a student's health prevents them from attending school, they may transition to home schooling based on a Multidisciplinary Team conclusion.
Enrollment & Schedule The student remains enrolled in the school, but follows an individual schedule. The school ensures at least one academic hour per week for each subject (except Physical Education).
Remote/Distance Learning Home schooling may include remote/distance learning (internet and video conferencing).
Parental Involvement Parents are expected to be actively involved in supporting daily tasks.