With reference to Inclusive Education, consider the following statements:
- 1. The main objective of inclusive education is to provide equal education together to all children (belonging to any category physically, mentally, socially, or economically) in regular schools, bringing necessary flexibility in the curriculum or teaching method for children with special needs.
- 2. In the Indian context, Sections 3 and 29 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 ensure that every child at the elementary level has the full right to receive quality and non-discriminatory education in a nearby school regardless of their type of disability.
- 3. Inclusive education is different from 'Integrated Education', because in integrated education children are accommodated in regular schools, but the school itself is not required to change its structure and systems to suit the changing needs of children, whereas inclusive education places full emphasis on the flexibility of the school system.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation
Inclusive Education is a very important and comprehensive approach in the modern education system. Statement 1 is correct because the core mantra of inclusive education is 'Education for All', emphasizing teaching regular and special needs children under one roof without any discrimination. Statement 2 is also correct because various sections of the RTE Act, 2009 guarantee elementary education to all children. Statement 3 is entirely correct; the main difference between integrated education and inclusive education is that in integrated education the child has to adapt to the school structure according to their abilities, whereas in inclusive education the school system transforms itself according to the unique and diverse needs of the child. Therefore, all three statements are correct.