New initiative in special education in Macao: A curriculum reform project

Abstract

The education system in Macao now implements the principle of equal opportunities for learning for all children, including those with special educational needs. This principle gives rise to the notion of ‘one curriculum framework for all’—meaning that all children in mainstream and special schools follow a common curriculum, but with necessary adjustments and accommodations made for those with learning difficulties. This paper reports on a consultancy project initiated by The Education and Youth Affairs Bureau of Macao SAR to guide special schools on curriculum reforms and help teachers prepare students with special educational needs to learn through the mainstream curriculum. Workshops and symposia were conducted for special education teachers to familiarize them with the new paradigm shift. Over a period of 3 years, 33 teachers from mainstream and special schools were involved in writing Supplementary Guides to the mainstream curriculum, and a Learning Ability Progress Framework. By using the Learning Ability Progress Framework, teachers were able to adopt a more student-centered learning approach to conduct lessons that are inclusive of all learners. This reform represents a milestone in progress for special education in Macao as it moves towards a more inclusive subject-based curriculum.