GNDU signs MoU with Spring Dale for new initiatives in special education

The Department of Education, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Spring Dale Senior School, Fatehgarh Churian Road, Amritsar, to promote joint initiatives in the field of special education and inclusive learning. The collaboration marks a step towards bridging the gap between academic training and practical implementation for students of B.Ed (Special Education) and B.Sc. (ECCE Honours).

The MoU was signed by Registrar Prof KS Chahal and Rajeev Kumar Sharma Principal, Spring Dale Senior Secondary School, in the presence of Prof Palwinder Singh, Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof Deepa Sikand, Head, Department Education and Prof Amit Kauts, with the objective of motivating, training and engaging special school students and teachers in various innovative educational and professional development activities.

Spring Dale is the only mainstream school in city that offers special education within the same school environment as other schools.

"It aims to provide a platform for mutual learning, skill enhancement and the application of assistive and inclusive technologies to support children with special needs. The initiative reflects the university's continuous efforts, to strengthen partnerships with schools and institutions that contribute towards holistic and inclusive education," said Prof Deepa Sikand.

Under the MoU, both parties have agreed to collaborate in key areas such as teaching, internships, professional development and curriculum enrichment. Students pursuing B.Ed (Special Education) at GNDU will be provided internship opportunities at Spring Dale Senior School, where they will engage in classroom observations, teaching-learning activities and research-based interventions. The school will assist the university in evaluating the performance of interns, providing mentorship and hands-on learning.

The collaboration also outlines provisions for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) of teachers and faculty members. The Department of Education, GNDU, will assist in identifying opportunities and resources for upskilling.

Dr Navdeep Singh Sodhi, Coordinator, University Industry Linkage Programme, said it will create meaningful learning experiences for future educators and contribute to the cause of inclusive education.

Rajiv Sharma, Principal, Spring Dale, said there is an acute shortage of qualified educators and the MoU would help prepare skilled and empathetic teachers.

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