From 'Special Needs' to 'Quality Education for All': a participatory, problem-centred approach to policy development in South Africa

Abstract

This paper provides insight into the unique process of education policy development in South Africa, in particular the work of the National Commission on Special Needs in Education (NCSNET) and the National Committee on Education Support Services (NCESS). The process has been characterized by a fully democratic, participatory approach ensuring maximum involvement of all stakeholders at all levels of society. In addition, the process has been problem-centred—focusing on meeting the complex challenges within a developing context. The most significant aspect of the Report of the NCSNET and NCESS is that it provides conceptualizations that reflect a break away from traditional models of special needs education. The shift in thinking from 'special needs education' to 'barriers to learning and development' has broadened the concern from a small group of learners who are vulnerable to exclusion from education to all learners who are subject to exclusionary pressures within school and community. Finally, the delays in finalizing the policy process since the release of the Report of the NCSNET and NCESS are analysed and interpreted in the light of complexities in the transformation process in South Africa.