Inclusive education available in 260 schools across Armenia

The number of schools which are based on ‘inclusive’ education principles (an approach to educating students with special educational needs) is increasing in Armenia. According to the Armenian government, it is already available in 260 out of a total of 1 354 schools throughout the country.

The program has actively been implemented in the southern part of the country. For example, Syunik province has already switched over fully to the new education system.

According to Robert Stepanyan, the Head of the Development Programs and Monitoring Department at the Ministry of Education of Armenia, in percentage terms, the number of schools are almost equal in all regions across the country. In his words, the majority of inclusive schools (67%) are located in Yerevan, with five schools in Aragatsotn.

“You will hardly find a province without an inclusive oriented school operating there. All schools in Syunik province offer inclusive education programs.  Tavush and Lori provinces are also expected to completely switch over to the inclusive education system this year,” said Robert Stepanyan.

The total number of inclusive schools is expected to increase by 78 this year.