Inclusion and the availability of educational resources – capturing stakeholder voices

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Greater provision of inclusive education is an important goal for education systems internationally. Frequently identified barriers to progress include a lack of resources to support students with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream education settings. Purpose This study from Spain sought to gain insight into the availability of educational resources to support students with SEN in mainstream schools in the region of Murcia, by exploring the perceptions of stakeholders. Methods Participants were 27 stakeholders involved in the development and operation of special classrooms in mainstream settings for students with SEN who require highly specialised attention. Perceptions were gathered from participants across 18 mainstream centres in the region, via semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed qualitatively, according to an existing categorisation that distinguished between material, human and teaching space resources. Findings In-depth analysis suggested that, according to many stakeholders, an insufficiency of educational resources constituted one of the main barriers to achieving inclusive education. Participants believed that material resources in education centres should be increased to support students with SEN, reporting a lack of digital resources and the necessary teacher education for their application in the classroom. Limited availability of human resources was also highlighted, with participants desiring a more substantial presence of professionals in mainstream centres and a deeper commitment towards inclusion. They considered that there should be more space in the centres to conduct multisensory and motivating activities for students with SEN. Conclusions Catering to the diverse learning needs of all students is a key concern globally. This study underscores the significance of different types of resources in inclusive provision. It draws attention to the importance of increasing the availability of resources in mainstream educational settings to support students with SEN.