Critical Approaches to Inclusive Education Essay Question
Critical Approaches to Inclusive Education Essay Question
In 1994, the UK government endorsed the Salamanca Statement, which states;
“We believe and proclaim that.. those with special educational needs must have access to regular schools which should accommodate them within a child centred pedagogy capable of meeting these needs” (UNESCO, 1994, p. viii)
The most recent SEND Code of Practice states;
“Children and young people with SEN have different needs and can be educated effectively in a range of mainstream or special settings” (DfE and DoH, 2015, p17)
Consider the development of inclusive education through national policy, international treaties and theoretical perspectives, and consider how far the SEND Code of Practice represents a shift in priorities for the education of children and young people with SEND. Has the shift been towards or away from the idea of full inclusion for all children, in a system of education supposedly based on the social model of disability?
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of issues related to inclusion
- Critically evaluate current research in the area of inclusion
- Demonstrate originality in the interpretation and application of knowledge and research in the area of inclusion
Suggested Structure
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Introduction |
· State the aims of the essay and the main areas of discussion. Say which area of need you are focusing on, and introduce key issues in this area. |
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Explore some of the general issues around inclusive teaching |
· Outline one or two key issues with creating an inclusive environment which may impact on inclusive teaching, for example curriculum, assessment, use of teaching assistants etc. · You need to critically reflect on how the theory impacts on practice – this means exploring some of the complexities of inclusive education, and outlining the mismatch that sometimes occurs between theory and practice |
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Discuss strategies used. |
· Outline possible barriers to inclusion for the specific area of need or diagnosis you are discussing. Remember to link to literature. · You need to link this to your previous section about general issues for inclusion in the classroom. Can you see any complexities? · You then need to discuss the strategies you could use. You may want to consider some of the below. - Lesson objectives and aims - Use of staff - Grouping / room layout - Resources used - Activities - Assessment - Homework - Specific support strategies / interventions
· Remember that whichever strategies you discuss, you need to do this critically- this can mean considering strengths of the strategy, any weaknesses or complications, and the implications for pupils, teachers, or support staff.
· You will not be able to cover all aspects in sufficient detail, so if you do choose any of these then choose which ones you want to explore that relate closely to your area of need.
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Conclusion |
· You need to draw together all the threads of your assignment, making sure you do not bring in any new ideas. |