Universal Design for Learning is a pedagogical approach that aims 'to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn' (CAST website, n.d.). Originating in the context of K12 education in the United States, the core principles involve the provision of multiple means of representation,…

An individual is considered to have special educational needs (SEN) if they require special educational provision to enable them to access education (British Educational Research Journal, 2011, 37, 421). In 2014, a new SEN code of conduct was established, which saw further amendments the following year…

Background: Schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based framework for implementing a continuum of behavior support practices in schools to improve student outcomes. Research suggests that students with extensive support needs (ESN) may not have access to the complete continuum of behavioral supports within…

The recent introduction of the "Zero Reject" policy in Malaysia signals a historical shift towards a more inclusive educational environment and a point of departure from the previous inclusive education policy. Based on this context, this article examines the influence of wider policies, both international and national, on the…

In South Africa, education is considered a basic right and our constitution calls for accessible educational contexts which ought to be conducive for learning. Even though schools are meant to be places in which learning can occur, poor classroom acoustics may threaten that basic right to education. The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore…

Transitions in education are known to have an impact on learners both in social and emotional terms as well as academically. This article argues that transition experiences should be regarded as an on-going process rather than a one-off event. The move from compulsory education at the age of 16 can have a significant impact on engagement and…

Background: In many countries, educational opportunities and choices may differ according to factors related to location. This may have a significant impact on young people's life chances and trajectories. The in-depth, ethnographic study reported here focuses attention on rural/non-rural variations in transition programmes for school students…

Given the numerous conceptual approaches to understanding inclusive education, there is an obvious risk of fragmentation and stagnation in the field. In response, this paper aims to contribute to advancement by going beyond previous work and developing a holistic formulation of inclusive education. Its starting point is that the persistent…

Despite the preponderance of scholarly literature advocating the benefits of including students with disabilities in general education, students with ESN continue to be educated in restrictive settings. Limited research exists on how to facilitate access to inclusive opportunities in these segregated self-contained settings, yet this is primarily…

Access arrangements are pre-exam arrangements that aim to remove any barriers that might prevent students with specific needs from accessing the assessment and demonstrating their knowledge and skills. Access arrangements are not intended to change the assessment demand or reduce its validity. Using a survey questionnaire, the present study…

Circle time is a common part of the day in many early childhood programs. This important routine can encompass instruction on curricular concepts, provide a space to introduce new topics, and build membership and community within inclusive classrooms. Lesson plans or strategies for circle time instruction are also a part of many early childhood…

This paper attempts to present the challenges and issues of inclusion in distance teaching and learning as experienced by Czech university teachers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article offers analytical insights into how the virtual university environment and classrooms were affected by the pandemic crisis. Although several…

Despite the repeated documentation of the positive outcomes for students with extensive support needs (ESN) when they are included in general education settings and receive access to state-adopted general education standards, there has been little systemic progress on the inclusion of students with ESN across most states. The purpose of this…

Dr. David Rose is perhaps best known for his connection to the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) and as a main and driving force behind the collection of instructional, assistive, and access principles known as Universal Design for Learning (UDL). His research background includes principal investigator on National Science Foundation and…

The reason behind this study was that there was the necessity for a description of the influences of the cultural practices that influence parents' decisions and how the decisions that parents of children with special needs make in their nonparticipation in formal education in the Ikorodu community of Lagos state, Nigeria. Children with special…