Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education and Inclusive Education

This 6-week module for Special Education Needs (SEN) Specialists focuses on the advancement of evidence-based practices for Special Education and Inclusive Education in Caribbean contexts. Specifically, participants will critically examine the current provisions for the education of students with SEN in their respective countries and identify the evidence-based practices that can strengthen the education of diverse learners in their schools and education systems. Emphasis is placed on Caribbean research, especially OECS data, evidence, and literature, that facilitates active participant engagement in professional conversations, applied learning activities, and critical examinations of practice. This module facilitates participants’ acquisition and application of practical knowledge and skills through interactive synchronous learning sessions and two practical, one-page applied learning products. Using the PEARL SEN Literature Review (2022) and the OECS SEN Assessment Report (2023) as primary resources, participants will learn about:

  • International and Caribbean research into the status of Special Education and Inclusive Education in the OECS Member States.
  • Evidence-based practices for Special Education and Inclusive Education.
  • The findings, recommendations, proposed action plan, and national SEN profiles presented in the OECS SEN Assessment Report. 
  • The most frequently reported SEN in the OECS and existing supports and barriers to the education of children with SEN. 
  • The prioritization of evidence-based practices that build on existing supports and break down barriers to the education of children with SEN in the OECS; and  
  • Contextually fit, feasible action plans for putting these evidence-based practices into action in local schools and classrooms to advance Special Education and Inclusive Education. 

This Module comprises four, synchronous online learning sessions that are not lectures but interactive, collegial learning opportunities focused on professional conversations and applied learning activities. Participants will build upon and apply what they learn in the synchronous sessions by creating two practical, one-page Applied Learning Products pertinent to their work. These Applied Learning Products will assist SEN specialists and leaders with:

a) the prioritization of evidence-based practices in Special Education and Inclusive Education that are best suited to their National SEN Profiles; and

b) creating contextually fit, feasible action plans for implementing these practices in local schools and classrooms. To assist them with their work, participants will receive clear and concise templates for each one-page Applied Learning Product.