Need for more special education teachers

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There is a lack of trained special education teachers Jamaica’s education system, which is one area that needs urgent attention.

In schools, students have different learning profiles, including disabilities, developmental delays, attention issues, and social-emotional needs. Yet, many of these students go undiagnosed or unsupported for years because of long assessment wait times and not enough trained professionals. Sometimes, students don’t get their needs identified until late primary or secondary school, by which time gaps in learning and emotional well-being have already grown.

Not assessing students on time has serious consequences. They are often labelled ‘slow’, ‘disruptive’, or ‘unmotivated’ when they really need special instruction or targeted help. This can hurt their confidence and self-esteem and also puts extra stress on teachers who aren’t given enough training or support to handle these needs.

Many classrooms don’t have a special education teacher or learning support specialist, leaving general teachers to deal with complex needs with limited resources. Growing the number of trained special needs teachers, especially in mainstream schools, would help catch issues early, create personalised learning plans, and promote teamwork among teachers, all of which benefit all students.

It’s also crucial to speed up the assessment process. Making assessments quicker by adding more staff, decentralizing services, and improving school-based referral systems would help students get diagnosed and supported faster. Early identification isn’t a luxury; it’s essential, impacting literacy, academic success, behaviour, and future educational outcomes.

Investing in special education is about doing what’s right. If we don’t support students with learning needs properly, we risk ongoing failure, dropping out, and social exclusion. But when students get the help they need early on, they’re empowered to reach their full potential and contribute to society. Inclusive education needs to be visible, well-funded, and working well in every classroom.

RICARDO SMITH