Professor of BTU, Dr. Khatuna Burkadze spoke about the importance of inclusive education at the conference organized by the World Bank
Dr. Khatuna Burkadze, Professor and Chair of the Doctoral Program – Digital Governance and AI in the Public Sector at the Business and Technology University, spoke about the importance of inclusive education at the conference organized by the World Bank.
Dr. Khatuna Burkadze noted: “To ensure inclusive education, it is necessary to create an appropriate environment in higher education institutions through the development of individual programs, plans, equipping classrooms with appropriate infrastructure, introducing modern methodology, raising the qualifications of specialists and using technological achievements appropriately.”
Dr. Khatuna Burkadze paid attention to the need to change the law of Georgia “On Higher Education”. More precisely, she highlighted: “The Law of Georgia ”On Higher Education” does not create legal grounds for the appropriate involvement of students with special education needs, including autistic adults in higher educational programs. In contrast to this legislative act, the Law of Georgia “On General Education” defines the term – a pupil with special educational needs and foresees the development of an individual program with a focus on the special educational needs for creating an adaptive environment. It should be a part of the school curriculum. Based on the analysis of the Law of Georgia “On General Education”, the Law of Georgia “On Higher Education” should define the term – a student with special education needs. Also, it should propose the concept of the involvement of a student with special educational needs, including autistic adults in the higher education process. Specifically, it can impose legal responsibilities for higher education institutions to create appropriate individual programs which will be part of the educational curriculum at all three levels of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs”.
Dr. Khatuna Burkadze has explored the aforesaid issues as a professor of BTU within the research: “How to Promote Better Inclusion of Autistic Adults in Higher Education? Improving Legislative Framework and Identifying Determinants of More Inclusive Policies”. Dr. Zarina Burkadze, Associate Professor at Ilia State University, is the co-investigator of this research.
