Kosovo National Audit Office finds gaps in special education support

The National Audit Office (ZKA) has identified significant deficiencies in Kosovo’s educational system regarding the identification, assessment, and support of students with special educational needs. A performance audit covering the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, municipal education directorates in Prishtina, Peja, and Mitrovica, and 10 public schools, found that the system fails to guarantee equitable and sustainable support based on actual student needs.

Key issues identified include the inconsistent functioning of municipal assessment teams and insufficient professional capacities within schools. The report highlights a shortage and improper distribution of assistants, support teachers, psychologists, and pedagogues. Furthermore, discrepancies were found between official data in the Education Information Management System (SMIA) and the actual situation on the ground.

Due to the lack of institutional support, many parents have been forced to hire private assistants to assist their children. Auditor General Vlora Spanca emphasized that inclusive education requires more than just physical presence in a classroom; it necessitates the provision of necessary support services.