A to Z
Guide
for
Inclusion
Statementing
Studies in Italy have shown that the setting in which a child is placed greatly impacts the way a child grows and develops. Vianello and Lanfranchi (2009) describe what the call a surplus seen in students with intellectual disabilities placed in a mainstream school. A surplus can be seen when students perform above their mental age in a particular task or setting.
Functions of the statementing bodies
Ensure that each school has done everything it could and should do to meet the needs of the student with special needs
Gather and analyse trans-disciplinary assessment reports from various professionals (including educational, parental, medical, psychological, social, communicative, vocational, etc.) regarding a student’s statement
Invite parents and professionals to discuss issues raised by the assessments presented to the panel
Seek active consultation with parents and, when appropriate, the students themselves in developing a statement
Submit statements to the Director General of Education for follow-up action and provision of the indicated educational support
Undertake periodic reviews of statemented students
Prepare annual reports for submission to the Minister of Education
If the parents or the Head of School do not agree with the decision of the Statementing Moderating Panel, they can submit an appeal to the Board of Appeal established by the Ministry of Education. The main aim Statementing Moderating Panel and the Statementing Appeals Board is to make sure that each and every student with a disability has an individualised educational programme according to his individual needs.
One of the services offered in Malta with regards to inclusion in schools is the Statementing Moderating Panel. The job of this panel is to identify the educational needs of students with disabilities who, because of their individual needs, require resources that go beyond those existing in regular schools. This service is offered in line with the document, “Inclusive Education-Policy Regarding Students with a Disability”, published by the Ministerial Committee for Inclusive Education. Such a is usually made by the Head of School after teachers would identify a difficulty, together with the parents.
Establish the nature and level of educational support needed by the student being statemented
The Format of a Statement
