Abstract Book of the 9th International Academic Conference on Education
Year: 2025
[PDF]
Making Education Equitable and Accessible Through Model Program Strategy
Barsha Banerjee
ABSTRACT:
More than 75% of the over 2 million children with disabilities in India do not go to school, many being bound to homes. For those enrolled in school, their education requires significant improvement. Governments want to improve but lack the expertise. Based on Perkins’ 194 years of expertise on ground, it has built Model Programs in schools through capacity building ensuring every child can learn. Children with disabilities in India are ready to learn. By supporting existing schools to become Model Programs, Perkins can show that it is possible to deliver quality education to these children. Our goal is to ensure that children with disabilities enrol in school and receive access to quality and meaningful education that allows them to thrive and define their own success. This goal is achieved by a systematic strategy, which is built on the Perkins Quality Improvement process. This process begins with site assessments that enable us to monitor and support the growth of programs. We work collaboratively with sites to develop targeted professional development plans for teachers and then deliver training and mentorship which includes the Perkins International Academy curriculum. Perkins provides leadership support and technical assistance as partner sites develop goals for improvement plans, which are revisited regularly and adjusted as educational quality improves and student and educator needs shift.
By 2030, we envision a world where children are served through inclusive education systems. Perkins breaks down barriers for children with disabilities and will aim to grow our reach from 7 to 200 model programs across both rural and urban India facilitating the meaningful inclusion of children with disabilities into public education in a holistic manner.
Keywords: model programs, inclusion, children with disabilities, Perkins Quality Improvement