Citizenship Education Curriculum for Students with Special Needs

This research examines the citizenship education curriculum for students with special needs. Children with special needs are a significant vulnerable group in societies, which, according to studies, constitute 11.6% of children in each society. This group of children needs special education and services to develop their potential. One of the necessary education for students with mental disabilities is citizenship education.

Delphi method was used to identify and screen the factors affecting citizenship education. The snowball sampling method was used. 15 experts of exceptional students were used. Based on the interview, the effective factors on citizenship education have been identified. Based on the expert interviews, 20 indicators were finally identified. Fuzzy Delphi method has been used to screen and ensure the importance of the identified indicators and select the final indicators. Experts' viewpoints have been used to measure the importance of indicators.

These criteria include: participation, needs assessment, social capital, role model, life lessons, individual characteristics of mentally retarded students, social situation, psychological characteristics, cultural factors, facilities and equipment, the role of teachers, teaching techniques, educational assessment and evaluation, Cultivation, moralism, Government support, quality of life, psychological consequences, social consequences, improving skills.

Considering the special characteristics of mentally retarded children, they need special solutions in the field of citizenship education due to their mental and physical limitations.