Vaud
Inclusive school frustrates teachers
Since 2019, schools in Vaud have been required to implement inclusion measures. A survey of teachers reports “worrying” feedback.
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The “360 Concept” aims to better support and integrate students with specific needs (photo illustration).
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The goal is noble: to encourage the inclusiveness of schools in order to promote equal opportunities. This will of the State of Vaud is reflected in the incorporation into ordinary classes of pupils “with special needs”. If the teachers initially welcomed this educational model, some of them today denounce an increase in their specifications and a lack of support from the Canton. This is evidenced by the “worrying” results of a survey presented on Friday by a group of compulsory education unions. Of the almost 2,000 faculty members surveyed, 79% consider that their workload has increased considerably since the implementation of “Concept 360”, the device which aims to maximize inclusiveness in Vaudois classes.
A diagnostic problem
The main problem lies in the diagnosis necessary to obtain additional aid. “Officially, 3.6% of pupils are considered to have ‘special needs’. In reality, it is estimated that they are 15 to 20%”, explains Julien Eggenberger, president of the Syndicate of public services (SSP). This difference is explained by “the heaviness of the steps” to be taken to obtain a diagnosis and, consequently, aid. Furthermore, the means made available for the care of pupils with special needs are considered insufficient. Nearly three-quarters of respondents say they have applied for benefits but have not received them. So many elements that lead to a deterioration of teaching conditions. “In the end, those who suffer the most are the students,” recalls Julien Eggenberger.
The unions meeting on Friday intend to challenge the Council of State in order to present several demands relating to these problems. Questioned by us, the Department of Education and Vocational Training (DEF) did not wish to react to the results of the survey published on Friday. “The inclusive school is the subject, at this very moment, of a vast analysis orchestrated by the Canton. This study is intended to be global and we are therefore awaiting the results of it before drawing any conclusions”, explains Sacha Horovitz, communicator at the DEF.
