Question NW1900 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
12 June 2023 - NW1900
Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What measures has she put in place to improve the ability of teachers to identify, teach and accommodate learners with autism in local schools?
Reply:
In 2014, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) promulgated the Policy on Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS). The purpose of the Policy on SIAS is to provide a policy framework for the standardisation of the procedures to identify, assess and provide programmes for all learners, including autistic learners as they require additional support to enhance their participation and inclusion in school. To date, 178 757 Teachers, 10 786 Officials and 8 727 ECD Practitioners have been trained on the implementation of the Policy on SIAS. The DBE continues to monitor the implementation of the policy to ensure its effective implementation.