A study of Status of Inclusion of Children with Special Needs at the Elementary School Level

Abstract

Inclusion generally stands for the placing special needs learner in the regular school providing a least restrictive environment along with the necessary support in order for them to be successful. Inclusive Education is a process of increasing participation and reducing exclusion. It is a classroom model where children with special needs are taught with that of normal ones within the same roof. It brings all the students together in one classroom, regardless of their strengths, weakness, and abilities etc. to seek maximum the potential of all the students. The main aim is to encourage participation, providing opportunities equal rights, engagement and learning of all the students in the school programs. newlineThe present study was undertaken to know the level and extent of awareness of principal and teachers towards inclusive education, review the extent of implementation of inclusive education in elementary inclusive schools and identify the barriers in the implementation of inclusive education. newlineThe data was collected using non sampling method from principals, teachers and students of thirty inclusive schools of Delhi and NCR. The data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. For the purpose of verification and validation of the results triangulation method of multiple perspectives from multiple observers were undertaken. newlineThe study found that most of principals and teachers were not aware about the legal provisions, policies and guidelines for implementation of inclusive education in school. The teachers were unaware about the methodologies, aids and equipment s, evaluation procedures to be used for children with special needs. Educational, social, psychological and financial barriers were also found in the successful implementation of inclusive education. newline