From Awareness to Action: Exploring behavioral Shifts among Special Educators in Saksham Engagement.

Abstract

The success of inclusive education in India depends largely on the attitudes and preparednessof special educators. Although national policies like the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesAct (2016) and the National Education Policy (2020) promote inclusive practices, the role ofcontinuous professional development in shaping these attitudes is not well studied. Thisresearch aims to track how special educators’ attitudes change over time through theminvolvement in the Saksham program—a capacity-building initiative by Samagra Shiksha,School Education Department, Government of Tripura, in partnership with ICFAI UniversityTripura.The study explores how ongoing engagement with Saksham influences educators’ beliefs,perceptions, and willingness to teach in inclusive classrooms. Data will be collected at threepoints—before, during, and after the program—using attitude surveys and personalinterviews. Statistical tools will be used to measure changes in attitudes, while qualitativemethods will help understand the reasons behind those changes.On 26 th July, 2021 Saksham Tripura project is Lunched. ICFAI University Tripura is a majorpartner of this pilot Project Rehabilitation council of India special educators, mentors andProject Coordinator working all are registered professional from Rehabilitation with CentralRehabilitation Registration Number. All special educators are giving service four schoolsIt is expected that educators will show positive shifts in their attitudes, influenced by theprogram’s training modules, peer discussions, and opportunities for reflection. Topics in theprogram include inclusive teaching strategies, disability awareness, assistive technologies,and rights-based education. The study will provide useful insights into how targeted trainingcan support inclusive education and offer suggestions for improving such programs across theCountry.