The Talpiot College of Education was chosen as the only academic institution in the Tel Aviv District to train integration coordinators for special needs students.
In 2002, the Integration Law came into effect, enabling students with special needs to integrate both in standard and small classes in regular schools. As part of the educational and moral worldview that advocates to the right of every student to study within the community, therefor the Ministry of Education chose to train integration coordinators for special needs in all schools. The role of the coordinator is to assist in building a comprehensive world view, providing pedagogical tools for teachers of heterogeneous classrooms: including immigrant students, students at risk, gifted and outstanding students, students with difficulties and disabilities and students entitled to a special education budget.
In a tender that was closed this month it was learned that the Ministry of Education chose the Talpiot College of Education in Holon as the only academic institution that was chosen to train the coordinators in the Tel Aviv District as part of a Professional Development process over the next three years. Dr. Miriam Neumar, head of the academic system, and Dr. Bilha Bashan, head of the department for professional development in which the program will operate, will prepare and supervise the program.
This achievement joins the influx of female students of the Department of Special Education at the Talpiot College, headed by Dr. Shlomit Zilbergal, which enables female students in elementary school and early childhood to expand their studies and to receive special education, including both theoretical and practical courses.
An equally significant academic achievement in the field of special education was recorded by the college after the Council for Higher Education approved them to begin a master's degree in education specializing in learning disabilities, (this year the second cycle will begin its studies). Which is headed by Prof. David Zuriel, a clinical and educational psychologist who served as President of the International Society for Cognitive Education and Psychology and as Director of the School of Education at Bar-Ilan University.
The head of the college, Benny Bagon, stated: "Of all the different facets of the college, special education studies are perhaps the most important, since strengthening the weakened links in Israeli society is a primary educational and ethical goal. Winning the Ministry of Education tender is an important recognition of our ability to lead, in terms of academic and professional training, the future of special education that will transform Israeli society".
