Directory of Qualified Subject Teachers

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Education (Schools) whether the Ministry can (i) set up a directory of qualified subject teachers for subjects not offered by the Special Education schools and (ii) monitor the interest amongst parents and children for such subjects with a view to introducing more subjects for these schools in the future.

The Government-funded Special Education (SPED) schools collectively serve students with a range of disability profiles and learning needs. While most of the schools offer a customised SPED curriculum, a few offer the national curriculum similar to that offered in mainstream schools, leading to national certifications like the Primary School Leaving Examination, GCE "N" and "O" level examinations. Such SPED schools offer the requisite academic subjects in line with requirements of these examinations.

These schools offer a good range of subjects to meet different student interests and to enable them to acquire knowledge and skills to take on future learning. The availability of subjects in these SPED schools is a considered one, driven by students’ interests and needs. In doing so, the schools will ensure there are adequate subject teachers to deliver the curriculum.