🇵🇦 Complete Guide on Curriculum Adaptations in Panama: What you should know about Executive Decree No. 1

Curriculum adjustments and adaptations in Panama are not improvised; they are a regulated right thanks to Executive Decree No. 1 of February 4, 2000. This document establishes the Procedure Manual of the Ministry of Education of Panama , which dictates the guidelines that teachers and specialized teams must follow to benefit diversity within the classroom.

As you delve into this Manual, you'll find technical terms that are crucial to your children's or students' educational success. Below, we've compiled a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to help you master these current regulations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about the Procedure Manual

1. Does the Procedure Manual apply only to people with disabilities?

❌ False. The Manual introduces an inclusive vision that transcends the diagnosis of a disability. It incorporates and differentiates three key concepts: Common Educational Needs , Individual Educational Needs , and Special Educational Needs (SEN) .

2. What is the difference between these three types of educational needs?

  • 👥 1. Common Educational Need: This refers to the needs that all students share in relation to the regular curriculum.

    Example: At the start of first grade, it is common and expected that many children will initially experience difficulties with reading accuracy, speed, or fluency. It is expected that, over time, the entire group will improve in these areas.

  • 👤 2. Individual Educational Need: Recognizes that not all children face learning with the same prior experience.

    • Factors: Moving, changing schools, or personal learning histories mean that each student has different rhythms and interests.

    • Answer: It requires Good Pedagogical Practices , which are actions that every educator takes to respond to the natural diversity of the classroom.

  • 🧩 3. Special Educational Need (SEN): Occurs when individual needs cannot be met with the usual methodological resources.

    • It implies needs of greater magnitude (significant gaps or, on the contrary, outstanding talents).

    • Answer: Here , Curricular Adaptations or Reasonable Adjustments are applied to modify the environment or content and guarantee access to learning.

3. Does a Special Educational Need (SEN) necessarily imply a disability?

Not necessarily. A special educational need (SEN) can occur with or without a disability. Examples of SEN without a disability include:

  • 🚀 Outstanding Talents or Aptitudes: Students who require an enriched curriculum (Regulated by Resolution 709 of 2016).

  • 📚 Temporary Difficulties: The Manual indicates that any student who, for various reasons, presents a learning difficulty (temporary or permanent) and requires special support, is considered within the SEN.

4. What exactly are curricular adaptations?

They are the set of adjustments made to the curriculum to ensure that students with SEN have the opportunity to achieve educational goals on equal terms with the rest of their peers.

5. What types of curricular adaptations exist?

They are classified into three levels according to their impact:

  1. ♿ Accessibility Adaptation: Modifications to the environment, physical spaces, materials, or communication (e.g., ramps, classroom location, enlarged font). Ideal for motor, visual, or auditory difficulties.

  2. 📝 Non-Significant Adaptation: Objectives, methodology, times and evaluation criteria are prioritized, but the basic content of the degree is not eliminated .

  3. 📉 Significant Adaptation: Involves the elimination of basic objectives in various subjects.

    Note: The Manual emphasizes that this level requires a prior "extensive study" .

6. Who is responsible for recommending curriculum adjustments?

Although the Manual does not specify a single professional, a multidisciplinary approach is appropriate. Depending on the case (ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, motor issues, etc.), the following professionals may be involved:

  • Neuropsychology

  • Clinical/School Psychology

  • Speech-Language Pathology

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Pediatric Neurology

  • Educational Psychology

7. What is the role of Neuropsychology in this process?

At Neuropsyedu , we believe that neuropsychological assessment is vital because:

  1. It allows for the accurate detection of neurodevelopmental disorders.

  2. Define a Cognitive Profile : Identify not only the student's weaknesses, but also their strengths , allowing for the design of "tailor-made" rather than generic recommendations.

8. Do the adaptations apply to public and private schools?

✅ Yes, it is mandatory. Both the public and private sectors must implement the adjustments determined through a suitable professional evaluation.

9. What is my role as a parent or guardian?

Your role is active and vital. Law 3 of 2011 establishes the participation of the family in the teaching-learning process.

  • Follow up on academic reinforcement at home.

  • Guarantee access to specialized therapies.

  • Maintain constant communication with the school and specialists.

10. Once the report has been submitted to the school, what's next?

A communication channel must be established. Ideally , follow-up meetings should be coordinated between the external specialist, the school, and the family. This allows for:

  • Adjust recommendations in real time.

  • Receive feedback from the school to modify therapeutic goals.

11. 🛑 Common Myths about Adaptations

  • ⛔ Myth: "If my child receives accommodations, they won't learn the same."

    • ✅ Reality: Accommodations are the vehicle for leveling the playing field. It's the personalized "recipe" for your child to learn according to their unique brain development.

  • ⛔ Myth: "I don't need an evaluation to request accommodations."

    • ✅ Reality: Without an objective assessment, there is a risk of providing ineffective or unnecessary support. Clinical evidence is needed.

  • ⛔ Myth: "The report is forever."

    • ✅ Reality: Children evolve. It is recommended to update assessments every 12 to 24 months (depending on the case) to adjust the roadmap to the current developmental stage.

 

For neuropsychology consultations, you can gladly write to us or call us at +507 6535 6362 and we will be happy to assist you.

 

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is based on Panamanian regulations. For specific cases, professional consultation is recommended.