NEW DELHI: Self-study mode, relaxation in attendance, specialised curriculum with focus on adult outcomes, alternatives to written assignments and allowing device usage are some of the policy changes the Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE ) is planning to usher in the new year for children with special needs (CWSN).The board is preparing a comprehensive policy for students with special needs and some new guidelines for affiliated schools are also likely to be framed so that they are made inclusive.A committee of 22 members was constituted in November 21, 2017 with experts including parents of children with special needs working on finalising the draft. The matter was also discussed in the governing body meeting earlier this month where the chairperson of CBSE Anita Karwal updated the GB of the policy in the making. The policy will also look at implementing the provisions laid down by the ministry of social justice for such students and make the school campuses barrier-free. "The committee is finalising the draft of the policy which will be circulated by the board for views and suggestions, according to a senior CBSE official. Moreover, the committee is also looking at measures like relaxing the attendance criteria"The idea is to relieve the students with special needs from the rigidity of the other students so that their academic performance is not compromised," said the official.Some of the recommendations like specialised curriculum with focus on adult outcomes, alternatives to written assignments, identifying suitable sports other co-curricular activities, to exemptions, device usage, seating arrangements are also under consideration.

Source: Times of India December 28, 2017 23:15 UTC