Every child matters: How teachers can lead the way

Time of India

27-04-2025

Rashmi S Chari has been actively involved in the field of education for last 34 years. She is currently Director, Academics & Training, Bhartiya Shiksha Board (BSB). She was till recently Member, Educational Research & Innovations Committee (ERIC) of Ministry of HRD, Government of India advising the apex educational institution NCERT on ways to bring qualitative improvement in teacher education through infusion of innovative practices and action research. She has consistently supported the initiatives of the Apex educational bodies as an Advisor to the Apex educational institutions of India in NCERT and CBSE on Teacher Education, Early Childhood Care and Education and National Policy of Education (2015). She has also extensively researched Human Values in Education and has developed a curriculum for teacher-education for MHRD. LESS ... MORE
In a significant step toward creating a truly inclusive education system, the Delhi government has issued a circular mandating the screening of students for 21 types of disabilities, under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. This move marks a transformative shift—not just in policy, but in how we view, value, and nurture every learner.
Screening students for disabilities is a crucial first step in ensuring that no child struggles in silence. As educators, we are at a pivotal moment. Early screening is not merely a procedural requirement; it is a call to action—a unique opportunity to transform lives by recognizing every child's potential early and providing them right support at the right time. By identifying challenges early—whether learning difficulties, developmental delays, sensory impairments, or physical needs—we can offer customised support with care and understanding. Timely intervention not only helps prevent learning gaps but also boosts emotional well-being, enabling students to engage meaningfully in their educational journey.
An inclusive classroom doesn't happen by chance. It requires strong leadership, intentional action, and unwavering determination. Building such an environment is grounded in commitment—a shared vision that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Delhi government's initiative to implement early screening creates an essential foundation for change, offering an intentional scaffolding for success. By screening early, we don't just address challenges; we uncover talents, resilience, and hidden potential that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
How Teachers Can Lead This Initiative
Early screening and timely interventions have the power to transform classrooms into truly inclusive spaces where every learner can thrive. But this transformation solely depends on the teachers ability to bring a compassionate attitude, skilled teaching practices, and a commitment to recognize and nurture the strengths in every student. Here's how teachers can lead the way:
Collaborate for Individualized Support: Work closely with special educators, counsellors, and parents to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) with tailored support strategies for each student.
Adapt and Innovate: Adjust teaching methods, incorporate multisensory tools, be ready to give extra time, and create flexible, and supportive classroom environments.
Foster Peer Inclusion: Cultivate a classroom culture where empathy, respect, and peer support are the norms, ensuring every child feels valued.
Monitor Progress: Regularly track students' progress, adapt strategies as needed, and celebrate each milestone—big or small.
Engage Parents as Partners: Keep parents involved and informed. Their support at home can significantly reinforce the progress made at school.
Strengthen Social and Emotional Skills:
Provide counselling and opportunities to build confidence, fostering their emotional growth along with academic achievement.
Reflecting on My Journey as an Educator
Almost 30 years ago, as a Principal, I struggled to help learners with disabilities. Students like Mohit (name changed), a young boy with dyslexia, couldn't be identified early, and apart from empathy and understanding, we lacked the skills and resources to support him effectively. The absence of proper training and awareness meant that, despite our best efforts, we couldn't provide Mohit the interventions he needed. It was a challenging period, but it also became a defining moment in my career, highlighting the urgent need for change and better preparation to truly support all learners.
Fortunately, research and studies have since then equipped us with the tools to identify learning disabilities early and the knowledge to help students through timely interventions. In recent years, I have witnessed remarkable progress, thanks to the concerted efforts of principals and the dedicated support of special educators. For instance: Riya, a young student with dyslexia, benefited from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that incorporated multisensory teaching methods. Over time, she improved her reading skills and became more confident in class.
In case of Arjun, a student with severe anxiety, challenges were recognized and met with the right combination of counselling, peer mentoring, and classroom accommodations. Arjun has now become more engaged in class, his anxiety has lessened, and his test performance improved. Diagnosed with ADHD, Meera too has made impressive strides through personalized strategies such as task breakdowns, visual schedules, and movement breaks. With the continuous support of a resource teacher and parental involvement, Meera developed better focus and greater independence in her learning, transforming into a confident and engaged student.
These success stories are a testament to the power of early identification and the right interventions. They remind us of the extraordinary impact we can have when we act early, together, and with heart.
Encouraging All Schools to Embrace This Vision
Every school, no matter its size or resources, can take steps to become more inclusive. Screening students for disabilities should not be seen as a burden but as an opportunity to enhance teaching and foster a more joyful, supportive learning environment. Schools that embrace early screening send a powerful message: every child matters, every child belongs, and every child can achieve great things when we believe in them.
This is a call to all educators and schools: Let us lead with openness, compassion, and determination. Let us create spaces where every learner is recognized, supported, and celebrated. By embracing early screening, we are not just identifying challenges—we are lighting the way for every child's success story.
The earlier we act, the greater the difference we make. Every small step taken today can open a lifetime of opportunity tomorrow. Let us be the teachers who believe first, act early, and never give up on the hope of every child to shine!
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Views expressed above are the author's own.