LC: ‘Lucky Charm’ at BIS

In my first attempt at writing a blog, it took me less than two minutes to decide what it’s going to be about. Even before you read the next sentence, I’m sure most of you are thinking “Learning Centre”; and you’re absolutely right. So read on, to know how the Learning Centre originated in BIS and how we are continuing to advance.

Rewind to 2002; Ms. Anu Monga had taken over as the Head of School at BIS. Ms.Maya joined as a part-time special educator and was here few hours a day on most days. She provided assistance to a handful of children who exhibited learning, attention and behaviour difficulties in the Primary School. By 2003, Ms. Monga and Ms. Maya soon realized that BIS needed a full-time special educator, and were on the lookout for one. I had just moved from Delhi, and one of my students from The Shri Ram School, Delhi had joined BIS that year. I took a chance, sent my resume, got a reply and came for an interview. It took less than half an hour of my interaction with Ms.Monga and Ms.Maya, for me to decide that this was where I wanted to be!

Ms.Maya and I contemplated long and hard about what we would like to call the new department that we were entrusted to set up. At that time, Special Education services were rather new in India and most schools in the West used the term ‘Special Education Needs’ department. But to us, that sounded too clinical. We told ourselves that we couldn’t guarantee that every student we work with will overcome all hurdles, complete their Board exams or join university. But we could affirm with conviction that we will find the most suitable method to work with each student to ensure that he/she learns. And that’s how we christened our department the ‘Learning Centre’ (LC).

Soon Ms. Padmaja joined our team and the three of us assisted Primary School students in their classrooms, and offered remedial help to Middle School students in a small resource room that we shared. BIS had limited space then, and many of our classes were held in the corridors, under the trees etc. We soon realized that owing to the varied cognitive abilities of our students, it was necessary to make modifications in their curriculum, in order to make their learning more significant. We designed an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) template; we hired therapists and a few more special educators, thus providing educational and therapeutic services in BIS.

The LC team began to provide accommodations to High School students to enable them to perform well in their IGCSE, AS, A Level and IB examinations. Our team also initiated the NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) program at BIS. From then till now, many students have opted for the Grade 10 Secondary and Grade 12 Senior Secondary NIOS courses, graduated along with their peers and secured university placements in India and abroad. We also have instructors from Nithya Saadhana, who provide our students with pre-vocational skills training in BIS.

It is the 16th year for me and for the LC in BIS. From a small department of two, we are now a team of eighteen dedicated special educators and therapists, who strive to provide our students with constructive experiences in a nurturing environment. We have been welcoming senior management staff and special educators from other schools who visit BIS to learn more about our programs. We have made presentations at various forums and hosted conferences and exchange programs in BIS. Our Inclusive Education program has been the subject of great acclaim in India and abroad. I feel mighty proud of the LC and our achievements, and I can say with confidence that the LC is a ‘Lucky Charm’ for BIS!

Sarika

HOD/Coordinator, Learning Centre, Middle School

&

Accreditation Chair

Bangalore International School