Indian educators' perceptions of their inclusion implementation practices in secondary schools. (13th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kundu, Arnab; Rice, Mary
• Is Part Of: British journal of special education. Volume 46:Number 4(2019:Dec.)
• Page Start: 398
• Page End: 422
• Publication Date: 2019-08-13
• Subjects: inclusive education in India -- students with disabilities in India -- Indian educator preparation -- headteacher and teacher support for specialised learning needs; Special education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 371.9
• DOI: 10.1111/1467-8578.12282
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-3383

Abstract

Abstract : Inclusive education has been touted as a strategy for providing educational opportunity in India, but little is known about whether and how Indian educators provide such opportunities. This study focused on Indian educators' perceptions of inclusive practices in their own schools. A total of 160 teachers and 15 headteachers from randomly selected secondary schools in the Indian state of West Bengal participated in the study. Surveys were distributed to collect and analyse responses. Interviews were also used to learn more about the views of the school leaders on specific issues concerning learners with special needs. In addition, classroom observations were conducted to corroborate survey and interview data. Collected data were analysed descriptively. Findings revealed that headteachers and teachers perceived that their schools were not implementing inclusive practices.