Inclusion, Exams, and the Demands of Schooling

November 7, 2022

"Inclusion, Exams, and the Demands of Schooling" In our discussion on inclusion in schools, it's crucial to recognize the demands of the current schooling system and how it operates. While we all agree with the sentiment that "Everybody is a genius," we must acknowledge that the system often requires standardized testing. To make this process more accessible for all students, let's consider some practical measures:

1. Reduce Content:   Not all chapters and topics are equally essential for building a solid foundation for future learning. Based on the weightage of marks during testing, certain content can be skipped to simplify the learning process.

2. Lesson Simplification:   Within selected chapters, it's possible to further streamline topics, focusing on what is most relevant in terms of knowledge building and mark allocation for testing.

3. Provide Several Question Formats:   A variety of question formats should be made available to students. This approach helps students gain a deeper understanding of how questions can be framed during testing, reducing the likelihood that students who know the answers will struggle with deciphering the questions.

For example, questions can take various forms, such as explaining differences, naming differences, discussing similarities, identifying dissimilarities, or analyzing reactions in different scenarios.

4. Provide Printed Notes:   Instead of relying solely on handwritten notes, which may be disorganized, difficult to read, or contain spelling errors, printed notes can be provided. These notes should compile content from various sources, such as notebooks, textbooks, and workbooks, into a more accessible format. This approach makes it easier for students to organize their study materials and maintain legible, error-free notes.

5. Provide Questions and Answers:   Some students may have a solid understanding of the content but struggle to express their knowledge in writing, particularly when it comes to elaborating on ideas and organizing them sequentially. Printed questions and answers in the format expected in exams can help students overcome this challenge.

A common concern with these accommodations is whether they are fair to other students or if they oversimplify the learning process. The answer lies in understanding the unique struggles and needs of each child. These accommodations aim to level the playing field, ensuring that all students have an opportunity to succeed without compromising their dignity and self-esteem. Here's an analogy to illustrate the fairness of such accommodations: Imagine conducting a vehicle rally where the law mandates that it's open to all, but success is measured by the speed of completion from point A to point B. Participants arrive with various vehicles, from a four-wheel drive to a bicycle to an airplane. Each vehicle has its own requirements, capabilities, and limitations. It's not fair to compare the speed of one vehicle to another. Some may need route maps, others different types of fuel, and some might require modifications. In this context, accommodating these differences isn't over-simplification; it's a necessary and justified approach to ensure that all participants can participate with dignity and fairness. The key is to be willing to learn and evolve, recognizing that the diverse needs of students should be accommodated in the education system.