Categorical Curriculum or Individual Educational Plan for Pupils with Disabilities?

Abstract

The paper aims at outlining the basic international trends in designing the school curriculum for pupils with disabilities and/or special educational needs, in comparison with the existing situation in Romania, in the context of inclusive education. The main question – categorical or individual planning of the curriculum (mainly understood here as a formal curriculum) – is answered after analysis from international and Romanian sources, in three languages. Individual educational planning (programming) seems to be very much recommended and used, particularly in USA and Europe, in contrast with the Romanian legislation and practice which are favoring the categorical approach – based on the type and degree of the disability. More research and evaluation are necessary in order to document the changes needed – both at the general schools and special schools level – towards a more individualized (personalized) approach in designing the curriculum content for such pupils.