This article explores the challenges facing the South African National Department of Education in its commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for all. "The Story of Nothemba" is central to the theme of this paper. It describes the story of a South African girl born in eQebe, whose physical disability and systematic…

When establishing inclusive or whole schooling practices, the attitudes of students towards their peers with differing abilities to themselves is potentially a critical determinant in the success of schools to manage diverse student populations. This research investigates any potential changes in peer attitudes following the inclusion of…

This paper discusses the evidence that the specific developmental profile frequently described as being associated with Down syndrome--a profile of communication weaknesses relative to social and daily living skills--can be changed. It is not an inevitable outcome of having Down syndrome. Drawing on data collected to explore the outcomes of fully…

New Zealand, like many countries, is beginning the journey towards a more inclusive education system. This paper examines inclusive education in New Zealand, and in particular policy related to inclusive education. New Zealand has the chance to make inclusion a reality, but as Skrtic (1991) points out this will require a different way of thinking…

A survey of Georgia O'Keeffe Middle School math classes five years ago would have revealed ability-grouped classes, with lower level classes populated by poor, minority students; an eclectic curriculum based upon teacher-selected content and pedagogy; and a significant percentage of students scoring less than proficient on state standardized…

With research suggesting increased (or no difference in) academic performance and reduced behavior problems for students in cotaught classrooms, it seems that coteaching is one logical solution to the classroom space problem. In this article, the authors define "coteaching" as two or more professionals delivering substantive instruction to a…

This case study was intended to explore the premise that the perceptions of the stakeholders regarding inclusion should enhance the implementation of the process in a K-12 rural setting. Therefore, rural high school students' and rural general education and special education teachers' perceptions of inclusion provided the primary focus of this…

Background: There is a dearth of empirical research pertaining to the perceptions of students with mild disabilities of the academic and social outcomes of classroom support mechanisms. The absence of suitable measures is a primary issue contributing to this situation. Method: The present study reports the development and utility of the…

This article tells the story of an instrumental music instructor, cooperating special education teacher, and a twenty-nine-member band. Although they could have chosen many paths, these two particular teachers adopted an inclusive attitude and found ways to integrate students with disabilities. The author then discusses what existing research has…

This text, intended for school principals and others, provides an overview of the inclusion movement. Chapter 1, "The Context: How Far Have We Come and Where Are We Going?" (Patrick J. Schloss) provides the historical and legal context in which the concept of inclusion evolved. Key terms are defined, and the benefits of inclusion for students with…

Recognizing that primary education needed to be changed in order to make it research-based and developmentally appropriate, a group of teachers in Wyoming developed a multi-age, team-taught class, called the Primary Education Program. The first year's class included 3 teachers and 60 students in kindergarten through first grade, and the second…

This guide is intended to help in planning inclusive educational programs for children and youth with deaf-blindness or other severe disabilities. The guide covers: the importance of "person first language" in referring to people with disabilities, the roles of all participants in the inclusive school community; increasing awareness; creating a…

This report offers an executive summary and further analysis of a 1990 report that presented a comprehensive picture of service delivery for persons with developmental disabilities in Mississippi. The 1990 report, which was mandated by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1987, analyzed federally assisted…

This report compares and contrasts special education and least restrictive environment requirements for children with disabilities in Nigeria and the United States. The implementation of special education policies in both countries is discussed, including policies in the following areas: referral and identification, nondiscriminatory assessment,…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is working to increase the numbers of students with disabilities (SD) or limited English proficient (LEP) students who are included in the assessment. Information is presented on the changes made to the inclusion criteria, the types of accommodations being offered, new procedures implemented…