New programme to develop pipeline of leaders in special education

It will offer educators opportunities for training like those in mainstream schools

- Shermaine Ang

Educators in special education (Sped) schools who show potential will be given more avenues to progress and become leaders with a new programme that aims to broaden their exposure and grow their leadership abilities.

The Sped Leadership Development Programme, announced by Education Minister Chan Chun Sing on Oct 3, will start in 2025. It will offer Sped educators training opportunities like those in mainstream schools.

For a start, it aims to have up to 50 participants and this will be adjusted as needed later on, said the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Speaking at the opening of Rainbow Centre Admiral Hill School for children with autism, Mr Chan said about 50 per cent of the Sped school leadership comes from mainstream schools.

"But this is not enough. We need to make sure that the porosity starts much earlier, and I would like to have parallel training programmes for the Sped school leaders, just as I have for the mainstream school leaders."