Furthermore, special education no longer seems fashionable and has been described in the literature as incompatible with inclusive education. The term inclusive education offers no universally agreed definition and much of the debate seems preoccupied with placement as the constitution of inclusive education. Recognising what is appropriate education for students with SEND is problematic. Finally, the importance of situated community of practice approaches to professional learning were identified as critical to leading change in schools.įor students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), inclusion in regular post-primary education in particular has been challenging, and is the focus of this paper. ![]() The centrality of leadership in promoting school-wide approaches to inclusive special education also emerged. Focus group and individual interviews with SENCOs, Curriculum Leaders and Principals in six schools indicate that the initiative, while still in its infancy, raised awareness about inclusive special education amongst staff and provided data-informed approaches to education. A year after initial implementation a review was undertaken. Theoretically underpinned by Hornby’s model of Inclusive Special Education (2015) and a conceptualisation of the SENCO role in the Irish context, a pilot process was implemented to support the development of an integrated response to a continuum of need. This paper outlines a research and knowledge exchange initiative involving a higher education institution and a management body for post-primary schools in Ireland attempting to develop integrated, school-wide, systematic and collaborative approaches to inclusive and special education. Even in mainstream schools, duality exists and discrete delivery of special education continues to create ‘siloed’ approaches to education for some students. ![]() A parallel system of inclusive and special education persists in Ireland despite attempts to move towards integrated provision for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) along a flexible continuum of support.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |