Terms of Reference (TOR) for Consultant: Development and Validation of Inclusive Education Curriculum and Materials

1.  Background

Under a joint initiative between the Health Nutrition and Development Society (HANDS), the Provincial Department of Education and Literacy (Sindh), and various other stakeholders, a new curriculum framework and teacher training modules for inclusive education will be developed to support the implementation of inclusive education across the province. The framework will focus on developing accessible teaching materials for students with disabilities. The developed materials will be accredited by the provincial Institute of Teacher Education and Training and will have a broader impact, extending beyond the target districts.

2.  Objective of the Consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to provide expert guidance and support in the development and validation of the inclusive education curriculum framework and teacher training modules. The consultant will ensure that the materials and modules meet the needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities, and comply with the relevant guidelines and standards. This process will include consultation with key stakeholders, the development of accessible materials, and validation of these materials for use in teacher training.

3.  Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1.      Development of Curriculum framework and Training Modules:

• Work with HANDS and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) working as Provincial Committee for Inclusive Education, to develop a curriculum framework on inclusive education and for teachers training.
• Develop training modules based on the framework of inclusive education for the Pakistan Institute of Teachers Training (PITE), ensuring alignment with national standards and inclusive education guidelines.
• Ensure that the modules are adaptable for diverse learning environments and inclusive of different disabilities.

2.      Development of Accessible Teaching and Learning Materials:

• Work with HANDS and CBM to develop teaching and learning materials for inclusive education that are accessible for all disabilities (visual, auditory, cognitive, etc.).
• Ensure that the materials are developed in the local language, using accessible formats for students with visual impairments (appropriate color saturation, standard font sizes, Braille).
• Collaborate with an external company to oversee the creation design and print teaching materials with accessible fonts, high-contrast colors, and Braille.

3.      Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate an initial consultation meeting at the provincial level to discuss the development of the curriculum and materials with key stakeholders, including the provincial Minister/Secretary of Education, HANDS inclusive education expert, District Education Officers, CBM project officer, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Lead a validation meeting after the development of the curriculum and materials to ensure the content is appropriate, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the target groups.
• Ensure that feedback loops are in place with educationally relevant stakeholders to gather feedback on the developed materials.
• Test the developed materials in different schools to ensure their accessibility and relevance for the target groups.
• Collect and analyze feedback from teachers, students, and education officials to validate the effectiveness of the materials.
• Provide recommendations for any revisions based on feedback.

4.      Feedback and Validation:

4.  Deliverables

A comprehensive curriculum framework on inclusive education.

1. 1. A set of training modules aligned with the curriculum, designed for ease of implementation by teachers.
   2. Developed and validated accessible teaching and learning material in the local language, including Braille versions.
   3. Feedback report on the testing of materials in schools, with recommendations for adjustments if necessary.
   4. A final report summarizing the consultancy work, including feedback received, revisions made, and final versions of the curriculum and materials.

5.  Timeframe and Duration

The consultant will be required to provide regular updates to the HANDS team and the Provincial Committee for Inclusive Education Department of Education and Literacy throughout the consultancy period from May to June 2025 (2 Months).

6.  Consultant Profile

The ideal consultant will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Education: A Master’s degree in Education, special Education. Additional qualifications in inclusive education will be considered an advantage.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of professional experience in the international development sector, particularly in education and inclusive education.
• Proven track record in developing similar content, particularly in inclusive education or accessibility for students with disabilities.
• Experience in working with government departments, NGOs, and educational institutions.
• Strong knowledge of accessibility standards, inclusive teaching practices, and curriculum development.