“THE PATH TO ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION”: LARGE-SCALE TRAINING OF TEACHER ASSISTANTS FOR SCHOOLS IN EASTERN KAZAKHSTAN

According to statistics, there are about 230 thousand children with disabilities in Kazakhstan who need inclusive education. Only in Ust-Kamenogorsk more than 2000 special children are studying. In addition, in the education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan since 2021, a new specialty was introduced – teacher-assistant, who is an intermediary between a teacher and a student.

These data tell Kazakhstani people about the mandatory education in the topic of inclusion, as well as the need to scale the improved teacher model.

These were the main goals of Rauan Baichinov and Alima Alipova, authors of the advanced training course for teacher assistants to support special children. Specialists of S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University presented the course for the development of professional competencies and have already trained more than 150 teachers of secondary schools.

This became known during the republican press tour held on the basis of the largest regional alma mater.

The one-month course program of 72 hours includes lectures on five modules, practical classes, independent work and defense of the course project. Discussion and reflection, work with documentation, and small group sessions are provided for a better understanding of the topic. Trainees also have the opportunity to take a longer version of the training – two months – 135 hours.

According to the authors, at the end of the training “teachers 2.0” know the methods of complex examination of pupil’s abilities, technologies of individual developmental programs, know the basics of the international and domestic regulatory framework, understand the documentation of psychological and pedagogical support and others.

– Today, the position of teacher assistant is being actively introduced in schools. This is a world experience. By training new teachers, we strive at our level to transform the system of Kazakhstani education,” said Alima Alipova, head of the Center for Continuing and Inclusive Education ‘Dana bala’.

The courses are held on the basis of East Kazakhstan University. The university has established itself as a unique platform of evolutionary view on inclusive education. It is here that specialized furniture, smart technologies and author’s methods of work with special children are regularly developed.

– We have already graduated 154 educators. There have been several streams. We are pleased that the number of those wishing to do so is constantly growing. This shows awareness, diligence and understanding of the situation. By the way, any person with pedagogical education can become a teacher-assistant, – noted Senor Lecturer of the Department of Psychology and Correctional Pedagogy of East Kazakhstan University Rauan Baichinov.

One of the first students of the course Saltanat Bazarkhanova recalls how she first thought about the need for a new specialization.

– I have worked enough in education. I have hundreds of students and enough experience, but it is never too late to learn and become better. Recently, a student with a speech delay came into my classroom. Then I realized that this is a special condition in which I need to show myself differently. Now I began to apply the techniques I had learned on my student. It has not been so long, but I already notice that he has become more open. There is a rapport between us. I believe that in time my special pupil will speak,” said Saltanat Bazarkhanova.

It should be noted that the training of teachers covers European approaches. This is another one of the significant advantages of the author’s program, which allows you to delve deeper into the current topic.