Students with special needs in the Kazakh educational system

Till 1991, Kazakh education developed in line with education practiced in the Soviet Union; that is why, its system of special education and the theoretical and methodological basis were consistent with the Russian solutions. At present, education is being intensively restructured as the approach to students with special needs has changed. Inclusive education has become one of the priorities for the Republic of Kazakhstan (National Program of Education Development in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2011-2020). A number of actions were undertaken in this area: legislation was adopted, and the knowledge of good educational practice used in other countries as well as the forms, principles and strategies of implementing the philosophy of education for all was gained. Data analysis showed that the majority of students with special needs (73 percent) are still in special preschools, schools, residential centers, and sanatorium- and hospital-based facilities. As part of inclusive education, special classes and groups are being organized in mainstream settings, and there are mainstream preschools and schools with groups and classes with two to three children with special needs, who have the same core curriculum as their nondisabled peers. Many creators of inclusive education in Kazakhstan emphasize that a friendly social environment is an important condition for successful implementation of inclusive education. That is why it is still topical and important to get to know this environment and to accurately estimate the number of people who need support.