Creating inclusive schools : critical considerations for school management teams.
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
A qualitative case study of critical consideration for the SMT in developing inclusive
schools is reported in this study. The study was conducted in one rural district in the
south coast area in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The aim of the study was to
determine the SMT’s understanding of inclusive education and to establish what they
consider as important in ensuring that their schools are inclusive. Lastly, it sought to
identify the challenges that they faced in making their school inclusive. This was a single
case study.
The study targeted 5 SMT members who were involved in a focus group interview. Data
analysis in the study influenced by systems theory. The two concepts defined are
inclusive education and school management teams. Both the theoretical framework and
the theory were used as lenses to understand the critical considerations for the SMTs in
developing inclusive schools.
The findings gathered from the study indicate that the SMT had very limited and often
distorted understanding of the policy of inclusive education. It was also clear that they are
not sure of what they consider critical for them as the SMT in the process of developing
inclusive schools. At the same time they were able to indicate many challenges that they
are faced with in their school. The findings suggest that this might be lack or
inappropriate training on inclusive education as well as misunderstandings on inclusive
strategies.
The study concludes that the introduction of policy processes that requires
implementation should ensure that all stakeholders involved are brought on board. It is
important to get buy in from other educators to embrace diversity and understand the
purpose. The process of paradigm shift is difficult to individuals especially when there
are so many changes in the system, people tend to resist change.
Description
Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.
Keywords
Teachers--South Africa--Attitudes., Inclusive education--South Africa., Mainstreaming in education--South Africa., Theses--Education., Special education teachers--Training of--South Africa.