In pursuance to the announcement of 100 days agenda of HRD of ministry by Hon’ble Human Resources development Minister, a New Policy on Distance Learning In Higher Education Sector was drafted.

BACKGROUND

1. In terms of Entry 66 of List 1 of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India, Parliament is competent to make laws for the coordination and determination of standards in institutions for higher education for research, and scientific and technical institutions. Parliament has enacted laws for discharging this responsibility through: the University Grants Commission (UGC) for general Higher Education, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for Technical Education; and other Statutory bodies for other disciplines. As regards higher education, through the distance mode, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Act, 1985 was enacted with the following two prime objectives, among others: (a) To provide opportunities for higher education to a large segment of population, especially disadvantaged groups living in remote and rural areas, adults, housewives and working people; and (b) to encourage Open University and Distance Education Systems in the educational pattern of the country and to coordinate and determine the standards in such systems.

2. The history of distance learning or education through distance mode in India, goes way back when the universities started offering education through distance mode in the name of Correspondence Courses through their Directorate/School of Correspondence Education. In those days, the courses in humanities and/or in commerce were offered through correspondence and taken by those, who, owing to various reasons, including limited number of seats in regular courses, employability, problems of access to the institutions of higher learning etc., could not get themselves enrolled in the conventional `face-to-face’ mode `in-class’ programmes.
» Read more: New Policy On Distance Learning In Higher Education Sector

Individual Education Program Plans (IEPs) are central concerns of special needs education.

The education planning compiled in form of a written plan developed by the schools special education team specifies the student’s academic goals and the method to obtain these goals and clarifies the initial educational situation for a student.

Based thereon it defines objectives and measures that contribute to the development of age- and situational appropriate behavior, the buildup of motivation and the development of cognitive and linguistic /communicative, motor and social skills.

The planning links methodological concerns with development-specific support issues. It provides advice on implementation options in the classroom and for class preparation.

Educational planning emanates from the existing skills and the developing needs of the students.
» Read more: Autism Education and Individual Education Program Plans

Do Know Your Rights? If Not An Attorney Can Help!

When a child is born with or s stricken with a developmental develops a disability, the Department of Health and Senior Services is legally responsible for making available in-home services at little to no cost to the family. This is called the Early Intervention Program. Some of the services available include, visiting nurses, speech therapists, physical therapists, developmental therapists and occupational therapists.

Once your child turns three-years-old, Federal Law requires under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that a preschool child with a disability be provided with “a free and appropriate public education and services in the least restrictive environment.” A child with disabilities could be something as minor as a speech delay or as serious as Autism, Downs Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy.

In many non-English speaking communities, word does not get out that these services exist. Too often parents learn after the fact that the school district is required to provide preschool disabled children with education and other services.
» Read more: The Abc’s Of Special Education