(Singapore) Three new autism schools planned by early 2030s
SINGAPORE – About one in 10 special education (SPED) teachers resigned over the past five years, with the most commonly cited grounds being a desire to change job type, personal reasons and family commitments.
Education Minister Desmond Lee gave the latest numbers in a written parliamentary reply on Oct 6 to Charlene Chen (Tampines GRC). She had asked about growth and attrition in the SPED teacher workforce, and efforts to improve their retention.
The question arose after an announcement in March that three new SPED schools will be set up by the early 2030s to cater to a rising number of students diagnosed with autism with intellectual disability. . . .
From 2021 to 2025, the workforce grew from about 1,600 to 1,900, while student enrolment
grew from about 7,000 to 9,000 with the addition of five SPED schools, said the minister.
This means the teacher workforce has grown by 18%, compared with a 28% increase in student numbers over the same period.
To grow the SPED teacher workforce in tandem with the increase in student population, Lee said MOE has been working with the social service agencies to improve remuneration, recruitment and professional development efforts. . . .
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