The role of school leaders in developing inclusive practices in Icelandic compulsory schools

Abstract

ABSTRACT Icelandic education policy has a strong focus on inclusive education, but available Icelandic evidence indicates a lack of well-defined procedures in schools and municipalities aimed at inclusive education. Research literature has placed emphasis on the central role that school leaders play in developing inclusive schools. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to develop an understanding of school leaders’ role in developing inclusive practices in Icelandic compulsory schools. Inclusive practices refer to the strategies, approaches, and frameworks created to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, and learning needs, can participate fully in educational opportunities. Data collection took place between May 2022 and January 2023. Interviews were conducted in two compulsory schools and in this paper, we build on 8 interviews with 14 teachers and school directors. The interviews were recorded and then transcribed verbatim before the thematic analysis commenced. The findings are introduced according to three main themes: Inclusive school leaders’ role in setting direction, Inclusive school leaders’ role in organisational development and Inclusive school leaders’ role in human development.