Collaboration as an effective tool for the implementation of the Lesotho inclusive education policy 2018: opportunities and challenges
Résumé
Background The implementation of the Lesotho Inclusive Education Policy 2018 is complex and requires a collaborative approach. Given the complexity of inclusive education, the paper acknowledges that there must be participation of different role players in helping teachers to effectively carry the mandate of the policy. Aims The study aims to explore how collaboration is effective in supporting the education of Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) through the perspectives and experiences of teachers and provides a comprehensive evidence-based approaches for improving the implementation of inclusive education policies through a collaborative approach. Methods The paper is framed within ecological systems theory to understand how collaboration as premised on the LIEP 2018 could effectively help the implementation phase of the policy. The paper is lensed under the interpretive paradigm and designed with a qualitative research approach. Nine teachers were purposively selected from a regular school and were engaged in a focus group discussion. The study was analysed thematically to identify the themes and patterns that emerged from teachers’ collaborative practices. Results The findings reveal that teachers collaborate with other schools to share best practices for inclusive classrooms. They also receive external training from different experts from various organisation who trained them on inclusive education and empowered them on inclusive strategies suitable for their teaching environments. Despite the policy’s pronunciation on collaboration, the school works in isolation; parental involvement is minimal and there is lack of support staff such as health personnel and psychologists for diagnosis, psychological and emotional support. Conclusion The study highlights the dynamics of stakeholder collaboration and its multifaceted nature in building more inclusive responsive practical strategies and frameworks that support teachers in building strong partnerships that foster inclusive educational environments. Recommendations On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that there is a need to sensitise parents and the communities about inclusive education. The MOET should further work collaboratively with the Ministry of Social Development to mobilise resources to pay for other hidden costs of schooling and the Ministry of Health for proper diagnosis to ensure that these learners attend schools and complete their education.
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