From Inclusion and Special Education to Inclusive Special Education

Abstract

This chapter reviews the debate about inclusion and special education and identifies several confusions about inclusion and inclusive education that have emerged from this debate. Confusions about inclusive education will be explained, and the realities of school practice for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be considered. The findings of research studies with young people with learning and behavioral difficulties will be highlighted to illustrate the importance of ensuring the provision of appropriate educational settings and curricula at different stages in the development of children with SEND. The need for a new approach, inclusive special education, based on moderate and responsible inclusive education, which addresses the main confusions about inclusion, is proposed.