Exploring the theoretical, policy and classroom (pedagogical) dimensions of transformative change within the context of inclusive education policy and practice, this book documents how ideological presuppositions and professional practice should be transformed in order to meet learner diversity in effective and non-discriminatory ways.

This book represents an original and innovative series of insights, ideas and questions concerning inclusive education and cross-cultural understandings. Drawing on historical and cultural material, policy developments, legislation and research findings, the book provides a critical exploration of key factors including inclusive education, human rights, change, diversity and special educational needs. The contributors focus closely on how these factors are defined and experienced within particular societies.

Exploring the theoretical, policy and classroom (pedagogical) dimensions of transformative change within the context of inclusive education policy and practice, this book documents how ideological presuppositions and professional practice should be transformed in order to meet learner diversity in effective and non-discriminatory ways.

The volume will provide an examination of issues around how policy for inclusive education can be implemented in practice. Key policy issues for inclusive education are looked at along with recommendations to tackle these. Conclusions will focus on lessons learnt surrounding the implementation of policy and bridging the policy-practice gap.

This volume brings together some thought provoking discussions on inclusive education within the current education climate. Is inclusive education worth pursuing or is the fervour for its implementation subsiding as the realities of its challenges are understood?

The book takes as its premise the argument that diverse learner groups are a fact of demographic change that should be considered foundational in the preparation of teachers rather than be problematized as a challenge. It promotes the idea of teacher education for inclusive education based on a consideration of what it means to educate all children together. Divided into four parts, the book considers key issues for teacher education, teacher agency, teacher education for diversity, and a research agenda for the future. In today’s world, the demographic profile of students in schools is more complex than ever before, and the increasing cultural, linguistic and developmental diversity of today’s classrooms, along with the pressure to achieve high academic standards for everybody has significant implications for how classroom teachers should be prepared to meet these demands. This book advances a new understanding of inclusive education that addresses the limitations inherent in current approaches that problematize differences between learner groups by promoting a view of difference as an aspect of human individuality. It considers the implications of the research evidence underpinning teacher education for diversity and makes suggestions for future research in the field.

The book draws together, in one source, divergent perspectives on critical issues or questions confronting the field of special education. Each issue is addressed in a pro/con format. Each contributing author was requested to outline his/her position on a particular issue and to provide the strongest supporting arguments and evidence available.