Page 87 - Education World Dec 2021

EW SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

VIDYANIKETAN ACADEMY

BENGALURU

John seems to What could cause such
be significantly a transformation? The
“challenged here answer is never simple
and may have a better or straightforward. It is
chance of success in a journey each child
another school.” said makes in unique and
the principal. individual ways.
John’s parents knew VNA strives to provide
all too well what this an environment that
statement meant, as he whole-heartedly accepts
had been asked to leave children for who he or she
his previous school as is and allows them to grow
well for ‘restlessness’ and at their own pace without
‘disruptive behaviour’ in the pressure of achieving
class, inability to cope with an academic standard set
the syllabus, incomplete for them by society. The
work and difficulty getting VNA community facilitates
along with his peers. Regardless of the school or curriculum his and rejoices in every milestone a child achieves, no matter
parents chose, the result was the same for John. how small a step it may seem. John is but one of the cohorts
Sadly, 9-year-old John had already attended three of children who come to VNA, struggling to cope with personal
mainstream schools and by this point, his parents felt a sense of and societal challenges and mainstream modes of schooling
hopelessness. They just wanted him to be a happy child enjoying – particularly when facing the challenges of Attention Deficit
a regular schooling experience like other children. This is when Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Specific / Severe Learning
John’s parents consulted a clinical psychologist for a formal Difficulties (SLD).
assessment and were referred to VNA. Like a mainstream school, VNA presents each child with an
John’s parents visited VNA with a sense of optimism and array of opportunities to help them develop into well-rounded
hesitation, as they were unsure if this was the right place for and creative individuals. While this has been much easier to
him, or if this school could really help him as it did not look like a achieve in a physical setting, the Covid-19 pandemic has made it
regular “school”. Post their visit and a few interactions later, his significantly more challenging and frustrating to cope with remote
parents felt more hopeful and assured that John would perhaps learning for students with learning differences. The range of
be better understood and supported at an alternative school such methods used by teachers to support the varied ways in which
as VNA. each child learns has also been greatly curtailed.
Given his past schooling experiences, John began school However, VNA teachers remain optimistic and have gone out
at VNA with some trepidation. It took quite a while for him in of their way to ensure that they continue to provide their children
the beginning, but he eventually began to settle in once he with consistent routines and learning continuity. Beyond virtual
felt included, accepted and supported. His teachers worked classes, teachers have found innovative ways to connect, play
collaboratively with his counselor and parents to develop his very and bond with their children to help them feel comforted and
own Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to specifically address assured.
his learning, behaviour and overall developmental needs. Despite the hardships, the pandemic has also brought about
“We were encouraged when we watched him make friends, more opportunities for special educators to learn, share resources
and heard him talk with excitement about his classes and the and collaborate beyond borders. At VNA, they continue to remain
things that interested him. With each passing day, we observed encouraged by the possibilities and seek to share their expertise
John’s enthusiasm, confidence and happiness continue to in ‘special education’ with the wider community. They are also
blossom. With the right intervention, differentiated approach, keen to explore partnerships that can further strengthen practices
and daily personalized support, we watched John beginning to to support children in India, particularly those struggling to cope
transform.” said John’s parents. with SLD, with the belief that many more Johns can call their
Stories like John’s are the very reason why VNA exists. school a real home away from home.

EDUCATIONWORLD DECEMBER 2021