Implementation Of Inclusive Practices Research Articles

Overcoming the Challenges of Including Learners with Visual Impairments Through Teacher Collaborations

In this article we report on a study undertaken with 255 teachers working with learners with visual impairments. The focus of our discussion is teachers’ implementation of inclusive education policies with learners with visual impairments in full-service schools in South Africa. We foreground the ways in which the teacher participants relied on teacher collaborations to overcome some of the challenges they faced as a result of limited resource provisions in schools in this country. We implemented an instrumental case study design and followed the approach of participatory reflection and action (PRA). The sample included teachers (n = 255) from seven full-service and ten special schools from five provinces in South Africa. In addition, 50 expert stakeholders who work in the field of visual impairment were involved. For data generation and documentation, we utilised PRA-based workshops, the observation-as-context-of-interaction method, audio-visual techniques, field notes, and reflective journals. The findings of our research confirm that full-service schools face distinct challenges regarding limited resources as well as teachers that are inexperienced to accommodate learners with visual impairments. Even though the teachers in our study were initially reluctant to implement inclusive education practices, their collaboration with fellow teachers and other informed stakeholders enabled them to address some of the challenges they experienced and implement inclusive practices. They subsequently formed a team and learnt from one another to facilitate positive changes through the implementation of inclusive practices, thereby following a socio-ecological approach to inclusive practices in full-service schools in South Africa.

Using hope theory to understand changes from professional learning in inclusive education

AbstractProfessional learning for quality teaching is a lifelong enterprise. Nevertheless, it entails a considerable cost with varying outcomes. Drawing on Snyder's hope theory and Pantic's teacher agency, this paper aims to present a model aimed at deepening our understanding of teachers' intentions and competencies in inclusive education. The model formulates a professional learning cycle tailored to address their unique needs. This study draws on data from a larger qualitative dominant mixed‐methods study exploring 18 teachers' professional learning experience with the inclusionEd online platform. The process involved a pre‐training online survey and interviews and employed multiple strategies for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used for pre‐training survey data to assess teacher‐participants' attitudes towards inclusion and efficacy levels in this area. Subsequently, using Snyder's hope theory and Pantic's teacher agency, we deductively analysed interview data. The quantitative results showed that teacher‐participants had positive beliefs about inclusive education with high efficacy. However, qualitative data analysis uncovered a misalignment between their stated beliefs and enacted beliefs, revealing diverse pathways to both success and challenges in their implementation of inclusive practices. The qualitative analysis, combined with the preliminary survey findings, unveiled the fluidity of hope and identified the influences on shifting hope and maintaining a positive stance. We offer an illustration of teacher professional learning pathways. Understanding how these pathways might be used to increase the value and outcomes of professional learning programmes is discussed. This study concludes with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications and directions for future research.

Inclusive teaching practices implemented in primary school bilingual programmes in Spain: Teachers’ views and associated factors

Promoting plurilingualism and the provision of inclusive and good-quality education are currently two converging challenges. However, despite the difficulties expressed by teachers in catering to diversity in their bilingual classrooms, the implementation of inclusive practices has received little attention. This study aims to analyse how teachers perceive their use of inclusive practices in primary school bilingual programmes and to identify associated sociodemographic characteristics. In total, a sample of 300 teachers completed the ad hoc designed Inclusive Teaching Practices in Bilingual Education scale. The results of the survey showed that inclusive practices associated with the dimensions of linguistic aspects, materials and resources, and assessment are more frequently used than those associated with methodology, groupings, and collaboration with teachers and families. Moreover, those teachers who were English specialists, were more experienced at teaching in a bilingual programme, used English to a greater extent in the classroom, were highly proficient in English, and who received help from a support teacher used inclusive practices more frequently in their classrooms. Overall, teachers in bilingual education have a positive perception of their use of inclusive practices, but more work is needed regarding collaboration and providing a more personalised approach to education through appropriate scaffolding strategies and feedback.

The creation of cultures of inclusion, the development of inclusive policies, and the implementation of inclusive practices

With the Salamanca Declaration on Special Education, the entire educational system promotes and encourages the inclusion of all students in mainstream schools, regardless of their origin or developmental issues. Although inclusive education has followed a distinct and separate path from special education in its evolutionary phase, they both emphasize the common ideology of responding to the needs of students to ensure their full participation in the educational process, whether they have disabilities, behavioral problems, or face segregation due to different ethnic backgrounds.

Modelling of a Best Practice in an Inclusive School in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Inclusive Education Model of the Centre for Social Inclusive Programmes

This research presents the results of modelling of the Insight school inclusive model, describing how it is constituted with the possibility to transfer it to other schools. The study includes a description of the innovative Insight School in Almaty, Kazahkstan with their lessons learned during implementation of inclusive practices. The model consists of six pillars, each of which is important for a school to be called inclusive. Each pillar (direction) has 3 to 5 key indicators, the fulfilment of which is the basis for successful inclusion in the school. The six pillars are interconnected and visualized. The model is firmly based on the Kazakh state regulations and is permeated by what inclusion is not possible without - the culture of the school, i.e. the attitudes of the management, teachers, students, the way of life and the atmosphere in the school during lessons and in leisure time.

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

Special education has become a vital component of the education system, aimed at catering to the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The implementation of inclusive practices in the field of special education has been a topic of growing interest and research in recent years. In this article, we will explore the topic of special education and inclusive practices,their benefits, challenges, and strategies for successful implementation.

ATTITUDES OF GREEK GENERAL EDUCATION TEACHERS CONCERNING INCLUSION POLICY

The school community consists of an environment where every child has the right to participate and share the good of the educational process. In that thinking, students dispose of different needs that have to be satisfied in a context where the values of respect and equality emerge as basic foundations of the instructive environment. Consequently, inclusion practices appear to be as the prerequisite of education for all in the general school surroundings. Teachers who are responsible for planning and applying the educational process play an important role in the implementation of inclusive practices. Especially, these educational methods are influenced by educators’ attitudes and determine the extent and the level of inclusion strategies. In the present study, participated 154 teachers of primary and secondary general education in Greece. The participants completed the Multidimensional Attitudes towards Inclusive Education Scale (MATIES) (Mahat, 2008). In general, according to the results, teachers expressed positive attitudes toward inclusion. Correlations were calculated in relation to other variables that affect teachers’ attitudes according to the research. The results emerged as directions of providing support services in the school community and organizing suitable education programs for in-service teachers in the school and academic domain.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0001/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

French teachers' intentions to use accommodated materials in learning and assessment

AbstractThe implementation of inclusive practices in mainstream education remains particularly difficult in the French context and is influenced by various factors including the types of disability labels, and the type of assessment practices that are used. Indeed, how student disability is labelled could impact teacher attitudes by notably disfavouring students labelled with autism. Moreover, normative assessment is strongly linked with selection at schools—a function that works against teacher attitudes towards inclusive education. This article reports on a study in which we examined teacher intentions to use materials accommodated to special educational needs students, as a function of special needs labelling. Specifically, this refers to the use of labels for either a disability or special educational need, in connection to tasks associated with learning or assessment. The results of our study revealed that, for both types of labels, the intentions to use accommodated materials are lower when teachers are asked to assess student competence than when prompted to teach this competence. These findings are discussed with consideration to the incompatibility between selection in schools—which is aligned with the principle of meritocracy—and efforts to promote inclusive education practices.

The Role of Teacher Self-Efficacy in the Implementation of Inclusive Practices

Inclusive education continues to be a highly discussed topic in schools. While most teachers and administrators are supportive of inclusive education, teachers are experiencing challenges that are impacting its success. This research approaches the study of inclusive education implementation from the perspective of the teacher. Using Bandura’s self-efficacy model as a theoretical framework, this research is grounded in the premise that teacher self-efficacy is a critical indicator of teacher effectiveness and the success rate of change initiatives. I used a microethnographic discourse analysis approach to study five second grade classroom and special education teachers as they implemented the inclusive education model in their classrooms. Data collection included a questionnaire, teacher interviews and observations of teachers’ collaborative interactions at professional learning community meetings. The findings indicate that three elements, tied to teachers’ levels of self-efficacy, impact inclusion success: Teachers’ experiences, both personal and vicarious; their perceived administrative support; and their levels of stress. The results of this study have implications for school administrators as they design professional development opportunities to support teachers in the implementation of inclusive education initiatives.

Perceived school support as a predictor of Singapore preschool teachers' inclusion of children with developmental needs

Teachers are more likely to include children with developmental needs (DN) in their classroom when they perceive that important people around them, such as principals, colleagues, and parents of children with and without DN, endorse inclusive education. Adequacy of resources and availability of training opportunities may also affect how teachers perceived being supported. This study examines Singapore preschool teachers' perception of support received from their working environment to include children with DN and how this predicts their intention to practice inclusive education and self‐reported implementation of inclusive practices in the classroom. The original Perceived School Support for Inclusive Education (PSSIE) scale, developed in Bangladesh, was reviewed for relevance and clarity by a panel of six experts familiar with Singapore preschool inclusion. 211 preschool teachers in Singapore completed the new 11‐item revised PSSIE – Singapore Version online. Perceived school support was found to be a single construct that significantly and reliably predicts both intention and self‐reported practices (alpha = 0.929). Stakeholders in Singapore can now use this newly validated instrument to reliably understand the support received by teachers and to re‐examine the strategies provided to support preschool teachers in this journey towards quality inclusive education.

Self-assessment of teacher efficacy in Serbia: Serbian adaptation of the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice (TEIP) scale

ABSTRACT Teachers are often mentioned among the key factors in the quality of the teaching process. This research aims to adapt to Serbian the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice (TEIP) Scale, and identify factors that correlate with high levels of perceived efficacy. A total of 288 teachers participated in the research. We conducted a factor analysis and reliability analysis and obtained satisfactory results similar to those of the authors of the scale. We were able to reproduce the three-factor structure that was shown by the authors when the three items were excluded. Correlation analysis results showed that training that contributes to competencies related to the education of children with disabilities and experience in the implementation of inclusive practice is connected with teachers’ self-efficacy. Teachers believe in their professional abilities, knowledge, and skills to work with students with disabilities, but it is necessary to support them in cooperation with experts and parents, as well as to upgrade their skills in behaviour management.

ІНКЛЮЗІЯ ЯК ІННОВАЦІЙНИЙ ШЛЯХ РОЗВИТКУ ОСВІТИ

The article examines the signs of systemic innovation on the example of the introduction of inclusive practices in modern conditions of Russian education modernization. The purpose of this article is based on the study of scientific-theoretical sources and the analysis and synthesis of innovative practices to substantiate the traits of a systemic innovation in inclusive education. The methodology of the article are legal documents in the field of education, reference and textbooks, nonfiction materials, as well as the work of foreign and domestic scientists, the credibility and scientific reputation which are recognized by the scientific community, and the achieved in prominence high level research inclusive education. Economics and pedagogy are determined on the basis of consideration of the conceptual apparatus from the standpoint of philosophy, as well as the essential and specific characteristics of innovation. The study of the evolution of innovation and the diversity of their types and types make it possible to present the classification system of innovation influence, the strength and scale of impact on the entire education system. There were outlined the allocated spot (local), linear (horizontal plane); structure (spherical, spatial, architectural); the fundamental (base); radical (actually the system); multidimensional (versatile, global) and nadcisnienie some innovation. By deduction the thesis that the introduction of inclusive education in mainstream educational space requires a system of development tailored to the specific socio-cultural conditions and educational policy is substantiated. In the text highlights of the most important directions of innovative activity of educational institutions (the creation of an inclusive culture, develop inclusive policies and the implementation of inclusive practices) is given. In conclusion it is emphasized that solving problems in the field of inclusion makes a significant transformation in all elements of the education system and the determined image optimize, improve and stimulate the educational environment at the regional and sectoral level, as befits a true system innovation. The conclusion is justified that the introduction of inclusive education in mainstream educational practice as a fundamental, structural, radical, multi-dimensional innovation system has sufficient resources to improve the quality and increase the efficiency of education.

Inclusive educational process at the university: Theoretical and experimental model of teachers' psychological readiness

Introduction. The institutionalisation of inclusion in higher education determines new requirements for university teachers, what is also found in the field of psychological readiness for the implementation of the educational process with the participation of students with disabilities. Aim. The present research was aimed to develop theoretical framework and experimental verification of the model of psychological readiness of academic teaching staff for the implementation of an inclusive educational process. Methodology and research methods. Methodologically, the research was based on the idea that the true implementation of inclusive higher education is conditioned by the formation of an inclusive culture of university teachers, which serves as the foundation for the implementation of inclusive practices and policies and one of the immanent attributes of which is psychological readiness to implement the educational process with the participation of disabled students. In the diagnostic and methodological terms, the current study relied on the authors' questionnaire containing the blocks of questions built using a 5-point Likert scale and characterising the severity of the various components of such readiness among university teachers in relation to working with disabled students of diverse nosological groups. The survey results were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient, Shapiro-Wilk, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney tests, and the median test applying the Pearson test. To check the consistency of the proposed theoretical model of the psychological readiness of university teachers to implement an inclusive educational process, structural equation modelling (or SEM - the method of asymptotically non-parametric assessment) was employed. For statistical calculations, the program IBM SPSS Statistics ver.23 and the AMOS module were used. Results. The integrative model of the psychological readiness of faculty for the implementation of an inclusive educational process has been theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed. This model includes a motivational-value component (the acceptance of the values of an inclusive culture, beliefs and attitudes of the teacher regarding inclusive education), an affective component (the emotional acceptance of the situation of inclusive education and its subjects) and an operational component (the teacher's assessment of own skills in using the tools of inclusive education). In the presented model, the teacher's methodical preparedness for teaching students with disabilities acts as a cognitive component, and the resulting component is the implementation of inclusive practice based on the willingness and ability to interact with students with disabilities. It was found that, to the greatest extent, university teachers have formed a motivational readiness to implement inclusive education, but they experience a deficit of operational skills, when working with students with disabilities. At the same time, the level of psychological readiness to implement an inclusive educational process significantly differs depending on the subject specialisation of teachers and the presence / absence of previous experience of interaction with people with disabilities. Scientific novelty. The model of the psychological readiness of teachers for the implementation of inclusive education in Russia was developed and empirically confirmed. Practical significance. The findings of this research highlight the significance of the stages of the formation of university teachers' psychological readiness for inclusive education. The following stages are determined: from providing basic methodological readiness in the framework of professional development through the creation of internal conditions for readiness for inclusive education, examining the experiences and psychological difficulties in interacting with people with disabilities, and, finally, to accompanying the actual inclusive teaching practice.

СПЕЦИФИКА СОЦИАЛЬНО-КУЛЬТУРНОГО КОНСТРУИРОВАНИЯ НЕТИПИЧНОЙ ТЕЛЕСНОСТИ В ИНКЛЮЗИВНОМ ОБРАЗОВАНИИ

The article deals with the issue of stereotyping disability in Russia and the Russian education system. As educators make attempts to ensure that people with disabilities begin to access quality education in Russia, results often disappoint. Aiming to uncover the fundamental reasons that underpin failures in the implementation of inclusive practices, the authors suggest that the perception of disability understood as the social construction of atypical corporealityconditions the implicit understanding of what inclusive education is.The purpose of this article, therefore, is to identify the specific features of the social construction of atypical corporeality and explore ways in which these features are manifested in educational practices. Accordingly, the complexity of the object of study determined the need to refer to a wide range of methodological frameworks of cultural, semiotic and constructionist schools, which allowed the authors to determine the coding methods involved in the social construction of an atypical body. The theoretical investigation allowed the authors to conclude that the construction of atypical corporeality is the outcome of an underlying social agreement regarding the implementation of a particular model of disability (in particular, the article compares the social and medical models). Furthermore, a comparative analysis of educational practices used in the systems of inclusive education in conjunction with the problems of the body in society reveals the inconsistency of their implementation in Russia. Consequently, the authors conclude the article by outlining the key conditions for the social construction of atypical corporeality. Moreover, they identify the following controversy as the main obstacle preventing the implementation of effective inclusion practices into the Russian education system: while declaring the adherence of the “social model” of disability, the Russian education system continues to rely on the medical understanding of the body persistently implementing the medical model.

Examining gender diversity growth as a model for inclusion of all underrepresented persons in medical physics.

The labor force of Medical Physics is one of the most gender diverse in the field of Physics, as it has attained the proportional achievement of ~30% women worldwide (Tsapaki et al. Phys Medica. 2018;55:33–39). While great strides have been made toward a gender diverse workforce, women still comprise an underrepresented group. Many strategies have been suggested to increase the participation of underrepresented persons by addressing unconscious biases, increasing opportunities, dedicated hiring policies, and providing support networks in science and medicine (Barabino et al. Sci Eng Ethics. 2019; Coe et al. Lancet. 2019), yet the personnel landscape remains largely uniform. Herein, the conditions, strategies, and approaches that facilitated gender diversity in Medical Physics are considered as a means to further the inclusion of other underrepresented groups through exemplars of mentorship, addressing unconscious biases and the implementation of inclusive practices. Furthermore, the potential for gender diversity to act as a catalyst to create an environment that is more accepting of diversity and supports and encourages inclusive practices for the participation and inclusion of other underrepresented groups in Medical Physics is discussed.

Perceptions and Attitudes of Future Primary Education Teachers on Technology and Inclusive Education

The goal of the current research was to explore the perceptions of the students in the last year of a degree in Primary Education towards technology and inclusive education. It employed a mixed method research with a combined use of qualitative and quantitative methods. The research population was comprised of 153 learners, and the quantitative sample consisted of 104 participants and the qualitative one 57. Quantitative data collection was conducted using a validated questionnaire, while the qualitative data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews. On analysing the results, it was emphasized the effectiveness of technology to design and implementation of inclusive practices. However, the results also pointed out the necessity to train students technically as well as pedagogically in the use of technological tools. Moreover, it was highlighted the lack of training in inclusive education and inclusive practices during the degree, training that students considered essential to be ready for their future careers.

Gli atteggiamenti degli insegnanti della scuola primaria nei confronti della rappresentazione della disabilità all’interno dei libri di testo scolastici

Teachers’s attitudes towards disability and inclusion may affect the promotion of an inclusive perspective and the implementation of inclusive practices and strategies in order to promote a culture of diversity. This paper presents an explorative and descriptive study that aims to investigate teachers’ attitudes towards the representation of disability within school textbooks and instructional materials. This study found that teachers would favor a wider representation of disability in instructional materials. However, despite being aware of the limits of representation within the school textbook, teachers continue to primarily rely on it as a source of materials and rarely adapt it to make it more inclusive. The study also found that teachers are aware of socio-cultural and contextual limitations that prevent a more inclusive approach to representation in school materials.

Inclusive Early Childhood Settings: Analyses of the Experiences of Thai Early Childhood Teachers

Findings from child development research support inclusive practice in early childhood education to enable full participation of all children in learning activities and build their core capabilities for life. However, the implementation of inclusive practices in early childhood is often constrained by boundary-crossing barriers. This paper reports a quantitative study that investigated and analysed the inclusive practice experiences of 344 pre-school teachers across the six regions of Thailand. The study identified positive experiences of inclusive practices linked to effective collaboration with minimal barriers related to time, increased workload and lack of resources to help teachers cater to the needs of all children. The findings offer direction for developing teachers as leaders to work effectively across professional boundaries so that Thailand can achieve the goals of inclusive education for all children.

Normativas oficiais para a educação infantil brasileira: desenvolvimento infantil e efetivação da educação inclusiva

The purpose of this study was to analyze the official Brazilian norms referring to early childhood education, with regard to the conception of adopted child development and the assumptions for the provision of inclusive practices for this educational level, as well as to discuss the conception of adopted child development in the public policies of early childhood education and its possible reverberations in the implementation of inclusive practices. For that, a literature review was carried out based on the survey of the official norms that have been guiding inclusive child education in Brazil. The results point to the existence of an expressive legal framework with regard to early childhood education, but still very incipient from the point of view of inclusion, secondarily in the documents and, therefore, in the current practices.

Inclusive practices and policies in language teacher education courses

ABSTRACT The current legislation regulating basic education in Brazil (Brasil, 2013) and the inclusion of students with specific educational needs in regular schools (Brasil, 2015) warrant some reflections on the discourses and actions in the field of language teacher education. We have observed that the implementation of inclusive practices in Brazilian schools has been a time-consuming process as it implies not only changes in public policies, but also - and maybe primarily - several kinds of transformation in educational contexts. Considering the broad spectrum of students’ specific educational needs, given the innumerable types of pathologies and their nuances, as well as keeping in mind the assumption that teachers can only create some space for inclusive practices in the classroom if their education is based on critical, autonomous, and informed thinking (Celani, 2010), we consider it to be essential to explore the language teacher education landscape. It seems important to highlight that our understanding of inclusive practices is related to the process of identifying and reflecting on what social-affective, ethical, and pedagogical changes are needed, not only providing accessibility and architectural changes as is usually done. However, this perspective still requires some debate on the language teacher education courses in our country. In this paper, we discuss the inclusive practices, programs, and studies carried out at three Brazilian universities: Federal University of Paraíba, State University of Londrina, and Federal University of Uberlândia. Our aim is to analyze the way inclusive matters have been or can be incorporated into the pedagogical project, the teacher practicum, and/or the individual projects of teacher educators in the institutions mentioned in this paper.