NEP 2020: TEACHER PREPAREDNESS FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

This paper presents a thematic discussion on teacher preparation in India for Inclusive Education. It is viewed in the light of NEP 2020 and teacher preparation in the mainstream education system. Though India is very progressive in the policies and intent to include the excluded, there are gaps at the implementation level. As we know teachers shape nations so a lot of emphasis in the policy is on capacity building of the in service and pre service teachers. Inclusion of children with disabilities requires a large vision and specific competencies for all teachers. A teacher with an orientation towards inclusive education should be able to provide equal learning opportunities to all learners; offer functional and meaningful learning environment; and respond to the needs of children with disabilities. There are several researches and evidence based practices in order to foster learning for all. This paper attempts to put forth the strategies for teacher training to enhance the possibilities of inclusion. Education is the fundamental right as per the mandate of right to education policy and NEP 2020. A radical change in the curricular transaction and teaching method is needed to realise this mandate for every child