scholarly journals Moving Towards Greater Inclusion in Singapore’s Preschools: The Enablers, Possibilities and Barriers

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-98
Author(s):  
Sophia C.F. Goh ◽  
Shi Yue Tan
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Education System ◽  
Preschool Education ◽  
Academic Excellence ◽  
Inclusive Practices ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Inclusive Preschool ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Teachers And Parents

Abstract Inclusive education is the next item on the agenda of policy makers in Singapore, in its striving to provide quality education for all children. The move to introducing more inclusive practices in preschools has not been easy. There are many structural obstacles in Singapore’s current preschool context. This review of existing literature on this topic reveals how policymakers, schools, teachers, and parents need to work together to create a successful inclusive education system. There is much that Singapore must work on to develop a successful inclusive preschool education model. The paper aims to provide an understanding of how inclusion in preschools can be more effectively practiced in Singapore by considering the current dual education system in Singapore and the recent measures introduced to improve inclusive preschool education. It examines how effective these measures and recommendations in existing literature will be when placed in Singapore’s current education system which prioritizes academic excellence. In doing so, this paper hopes to highlight the critical issues that policymakers and key stakeholders should consider when planning for inclusive practices in Singapore’s preschools.

scholarly journals Collaborating for Inclusion: The Intersecting Roles of Teachers, Teacher Education, and School Leaders in Translating Research into Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-50
Author(s):  
Donna McGhie-Richmond ◽  
Fizza Haider
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
System Level ◽  
Teacher Education Programs ◽  
Knowledge Mobilization ◽  
Inclusive Practices ◽  
Key Stakeholders

Despite empirical research pointing toward the positive impact of an inclusive instructional approach and practices on all students’ learning and social participation, educators and schools lag in adopting these approaches and strategies. For the purpose of knowledge mobilization, it is important to examine the factors that influence this research-to-practice gap. With this aim, we first outline the significant role of teachers and teacher education in implementing inclusive practices. We then synthesize findings from previous literature identifying both individual and contextual, system-level influences that impede the implementation of evidence-based inclusive practices by teachers. We emphasize the prominent role of school leaders in removing some of these barriers by supporting teachers and collaborating with key stakeholders. Further research is needed to explore the complex, interrelated factors that foster collaboration among school leaders, teachers, and teacher education programs in order to advance the development of truly inclusive education systems.

scholarly journals INCLUSION AS AN INNOVATIVE WAY OF EDUCATIN DEVELOPMENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (194) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
Olha Komar ◽  
◽  
Valentina Pisnyak ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Education System ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Education Economics ◽  
Inclusive Practices ◽  
Cultural Conditions ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Systemic Innovation ◽  
High Level

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 education as seen by mainstream preschool teachers

2020 ◽  
Vol LXXXI (2) ◽  
pp. 85-98
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Paradowska
Keyword(s):  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Preschool Teachers ◽  
Preschool Education ◽  
College Level ◽  
Successful Teachers ◽  
Inclusive Preschool ◽  
Teachers Attitudes ◽  
Education Of Students ◽  
Architectural Barriers

Despite the fact that the process of inclusive education implementation has been taking place in Poland for a few years now, it still encounters a lot of obstacles relating to, among other things, the readiness of mainstream settings, including teachers, for inclusion. For this process to be successful, teachers’ attitudes to the idea of inclusive education are also important. The primary purpose of the study was to explore the opinions of mainstream preschool teachers on selected aspects of inclusive education for students with disabilities. The study covered 76 preschool teachers. A diagnostic survey was used in the study. The findings showed that mainstream preschool teachers (generally) supported the idea of inclusive education for students with disabilities to a small extent only (i.e., a little bit below the average). This opinion correlated positively with a sense of readiness for specific tasks relating to the education of students with disabilities and providing it in an educational setting as well as with having formal teacher education in this area. The study also showed that mainstream preschool teachers were relatively most favorably inclined (however, only around the average) toward inclusive preschool education for students with mild intellectual disabilities, and least favorably - for students with multiple disabilities and blind students. The findings confirmed the reports found in the literature regarding significant gaps in preparation for tasks relating to the education of students with disabilities felt by mainstream preschool teachers. They also confirmed the fact that the vast majority of teachers saw many obstacles to the implementation of inclusive education in preschool, in particular relating to: specialists (mainly lack of specialists), too large preschool groups, and school space (mainly architectural barriers). Moreover, the findings showed that only a small number of teachers saw advantages of inclusive education - subject to specific conditions, though. The study findings suggest that it is necessary to provide more effective, specialist support for mainstream preschool teachers in their work with students/children with disabilities and to introduce changes in preschool teacher training at the college level.

scholarly journals Professional competence of educators of the system of inclusive preschool education as a condition for sociolizing the physically challengedchildren

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (32) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Irina D. Emelyanova ◽  
Svetlana V. Markova ◽  
Olesya A. Podolskaya
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Preschool Education ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Conceptual Basis ◽  
Important Condition ◽  
Inclusive Preschool ◽  
Key Features ◽  
Mathematical Processing ◽  
Physically Challenged

An important condition ensuring the adaptability of educational environment, hence, socialization of physically challenged children under inclusive conditions, is the competence of specialists implemented under new professional circumstances. Special attention should be paid to professional competence of specialists under inclusion in the system of preschool education. The theoretical analysis of the issue of professional competence of pedagogues in the practice of inclusive preschool education is reflected in the Russian and foreign researches, which testifies to the topicality of the issue. The research objectives are: to describe the conceptual basis of professional competence of the pedagogues of the system of inclusive preschool education (by the example of combined groups), which consists of cognitive, operational-functional and personality components; to prove the influence of professional competence of the pedagogues under inclusion on socialization of preschool physically challenged children. The practical part of the research was carried out by the following methods: analysis of scientific psychological-pedagogical sources, dissertations on the topic; summarization of theoretical conceptions; comparative analysis of the practices of inclusive education; questioning; interviews with various categories of specialists; analysis of the process and products of activities; mathematical processing of the results. The research results allowed identifying the key features of professional competence of the pedagogues of inclusive preschool educational establishments, which not only provide the efficient psychological-pedagogical support of physically challenged children, but also serve as the condition for socialization of these preschool children.

scholarly journals Stakeholders' Perspectives on the Implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy in Samoa: A Cultural Fit

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rasela Tufue
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Cultural Fit ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Inclusive Education Policy

<p>This is a qualitative study designed to investigate how the concept of inclusive education (IE) is understood and applied at a number of levels in the Samoan education system. It aims to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the IE policy in this context. The study seeks an answer to the question: What are the beliefs, experiences, expectations and practises of key stakeholders of IE? The stakeholders include practising teachers in primary education classrooms, policy-makers in education, parents of children who are physically and intellectually challenged, teacher-trainers, and local community leaders. The study uses a phenomenologically oriented approach to gain insight into participants’ perspectives and experiences about IE and the implementation of this policy in Samoa. It draws upon document analysis, individual interviews, and focus group discussions as methods for data collection. The results indicate a paradox in participants’ beliefs and practices of IE. Participants, particularly the policy implementers (teachers), tend to be inclusive in their thinking and behaviour at home. However, in the classroom, although participants seem to operate from an inclusive mindset, the practice tends to be exclusive and thus grounded in the medical model of disability. Rather than creating inclusive environments, IE appears to have created another type of exclusion. A number of implications for practice are detailed and future research ideas are outlined.</p>

The Challenges of Inclusive Education in Developing Countries in South East Asia

2022 ◽  
pp. 202-219
Author(s):  
Henriette van Rensburg ◽  
Betty Adcock
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
East Asia ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Equity In Education ◽  
Education Professionals ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
The Government

This conceptual chapter presents an overview of the current developments in special education, specifically in inclusive education, and focuses only on the barriers experienced by the different stakeholders in developing countries in South East Asia. To support inclusion and equity in education, governments need to influence public opinion, implement legislation and policy regulations, and provide financial resources. The three key stakeholders are the government, educational professionals, and families. There are also others including instructors and other education professionals, teacher trainers and researchers, national, local, and school-level administrators and managers, policy-makers and service providers in other sectors, civic groups in the community, and members of minority groups who are at risk of exclusion. Awareness of the value of inclusive education should be raised amongst all stakeholders to develop a network of support for all learners.

scholarly journals Adaptation of a child with Down syndrome into inclusive groups of preschool educational institutions

2021 ◽  
pp. 148-155
Author(s):  
Iryna Melnyk ◽  
◽  
Svitlana Kost ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Preschool Education ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Social Adaptation ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Children With Down Syndrome ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Teachers And Parents ◽  
The One

The article outlines the importance of interaction between teachers and parents in order to provide effective adaptation of a child with Down syndrome to the inclusive groups of a preschool education institution. Every year the number of children with genetic pathologies is increasing. Their adaptation in society is available through educational activities known as inclusive education. Among the common pathologies, occurring in newborns the most widespread is the one, known as “Down syndrome”. This pathology occurs with the frequency of one case per 500-800 newborn babies. The process of adaptation of a child with Down syndrome to the conditions of a preschool institution has three levels. This adaptation to the surrounding reality can be light (easy process of adaptation), middle (adaptation with some difficulties) and heavy (difficult). At each stage, the interaction between teachers and a child’s parents is very important. Cooperation of teachers and parents helps to find better educational forms and methods to be used, encourage children with Down syndrome to use and improve the skills and knowledge gained in educational institutions at home. Keywords: social adaptation, inclusive education, children with Down syndrome, preschool institution, teachers, parents, inclusive groups.

scholarly journals Inclusive education in Guyana : perspectives of policy makers, teachers, and parents of children with special needs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Devi Ajodhia-Andrews
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Change Agents ◽  
Children With Special Needs ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
The Core ◽  
Constructivist Perspective ◽  
Teachers And Parents

his study examines inclusive education within Guyana for children with special needs (0-8 years), from the perspectives of policy makers, teachers and parents of children with special needs (N=22). The study is framed within a constructivist perspective, and uses a grounded theory design and analysis. Findings indicate four factors which are potential barriers to implementing inclusive education in Guyana: attitudes / perceptions toward those with special needs, change agents, resources and experiences with children with special needs. This study describes the interrelating relationsips among the core phenomenon (i.e. attitudes towards those with special needs), and other conditions (i.e., change agents, resources and experiences with children with special needs). The interrelationship between these factors stimulates strategies or actions. These lead to consequences which prevent sustainable and successful inclusive education within Guyana. There is a discussion of recommendations and conclusions which may assist in supporting inclusive education within Guyana.

The Challenges of Inclusive Education in Developing Countries in South East Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Henriette van Rensburg ◽  
Betty Adcock
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
East Asia ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Equity In Education ◽  
Education Professionals ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
The Government

This conceptual chapter presents an overview of the current developments in special education, specifically in inclusive education, and focuses only on the barriers experienced by the different stakeholders in developing countries in South East Asia. To support inclusion and equity in education, governments need to influence public opinion, implement legislation and policy regulations, and provide financial resources. The three key stakeholders are the government, educational professionals, and families. There are also others including instructors and other education professionals, teacher trainers and researchers, national, local, and school-level administrators and managers, policy-makers and service providers in other sectors, civic groups in the community, and members of minority groups who are at risk of exclusion. Awareness of the value of inclusive education should be raised amongst all stakeholders to develop a network of support for all learners.

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