Special Education

Special Needs Education Assistance in International Schools

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Feb 19, 2020

Finding the right school for children is a priority for all parents. But it becomes a daunting task if your child has special needs since schools offering special needs education is unfortunately limited in Malaysia.

Don’t despair just yet! International schools in Malaysia are known for providing the best education for their students, including those with special needs. The four international schools listed below are among the top international schools in the country that offers special needs education assistance.

Nexus International School

At Nexus International School, the Nexus Inclusion programme was introduced with the belief that children benefit from diversity and all children deserve an excellent, child-centred education. Developed specifically for students with special needs, specialist teachers are hired to work in class alongside teachers to give additional support.

ELL Teachers (EAL and Special Needs trained teachers) will co-plan to support the delivery of differentiated learning experiences as well as working with learners in class alongside the classroom/subject teachers. This international school also has the Alternative Pathway programme for secondary students, in which children with complex learning needs are given the chance to continue their learning journey alongside the mainstream curriculum.

Nexus International School is located in Putrajaya and you can learn more about the Nexus School here.

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)

The Inclusion programme in ISKL is called the Life-Centred Education Program whereby students accepted into the program will receive customized instruction and support from highly trained special educators and assistant teachers.

The LCE program focuses on teaching literacy, mathematics, social skills, and life skills to students with intensive special education needs. Plus, with LCE classrooms, direct intervention in the students’ personal areas of need are provided. These areas include reading comprehension, writing, independent living skills and social skills.

For wheelchair-bound students, ISKL also provides ramps and elevators for smoother access! You can find ISKL at Kuala Lumpur and find out more about the  ISKL School here

Garden International School (GIS)

For students with special needs, English language learners and exceptionally gifted students, the GIS team will develop an individual education plan and review it regularly to check the student’s progress, using the feedback gleaned from teachers and tutors.

GIS provides ramps to the cafeteria, playground and primary office areas; and also offers small removable ramps for easy access to classrooms. Besides a wheelchair-friendly bathroom, an elevator is located in the primary school area.

GIS is located at Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. You can get more information about the Garden School GIS here.

Tanarata International School

Tanarata is a unique school in an ocean of international schools because of its heart-warming origins. This school was originally built by the principal for her own son, who had special needs.

At Tanarata International School, each classroom can accommodate a student with special needs with a shadow teacher. This way students can socialize with their peers while still being on track with the syllabus. The team in Tanarata believes in keeping the student-teacher ratio low so that they can instruct, evaluate, counsel and work closely with students in exploring educational arenas and overcoming the students' personal challenges.

Tanarata International School is located at Kajang, Selangor. Click to Check Tanarata School Information.

Special needs education is gradually gaining its overdue recognition and we hope Malaysian schools (whether national, private or international) will begin to implement it in their main curriculum. Until then, we hope our list proves to be useful to you!