Over the last two decades, the implementation of inclusive schooling has increased significantly in European countries and worldwide. According to empirical evidence, one of the most important success factors in implementing inclusive schooling are the attitudes of the actors involved. Previous studies have shown that positive attitudes towards inclusive schooling are not only a condition for success regarding the implementation, but also an important outcome variable of inclusive education. The present study provides empirical insights into the attitudes towards students with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. A study called ATIS-STEP (Attitudes Towards Inclusive Schooling - Students', TEachers' and Parents' Attitudes) was conducted in the school year 2016/17 in 48 inclusive classrooms in Austria. It is the first study to provide longitudinal data that examines the attitudes of the three different stakeholder groups: students, teachers and parents. Furthermore, the interdependency of the attitudes of the three groups, as well as the influence of previous contact experience on the attitudes are analyzed and discussed. Dr. Susanne Schwab: Professorin für Methodik und Didaktik in den Förderschwerpunkten Lernen sowie emotionale und soziale Entwicklung, School of Education am Institut für Bildungsforschung an der Bergischen Universität Wuppertal, Deutschland, und Extraordinary Professor in der Research Focus Area Optentia an der North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. Vorsitzende der Sektion Empirische pädagogische Forschung der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Forschung und Entwicklung im Bildungswesen (ÖFEB). Arbeitsschwerpunkte: Inklusionspädagogik, Lehrerprofessionalisierung, Soziale Partizipation.

The concepts of inclusion and inclusive education for children with special education needs (SEN) have been widely accepted as imperative undertakings in the education spectrum. This book posits the practice of these ideas by scrutinizing the methodologies adopted by varied nations of the two regions towards inclusive education along with juxtaposing the dichotomous observations to enable a dialogue regarding the actualization of inclusive education. The book looks at the distinct approaches taken by Northern and Eastern European education systems to realize inclusive education for children with SEN and aims to enable a space for dialogue wherein the reader would be able to access the cultural context of each practice, expand their cognizance regarding the concept of inclusivity and develop a more nuanced and sensitive approach to inclusive education. In the act of exploring the myriad ways in which inclusivity is practiced in the two regions, the book thusly provides insights into the pluralities and significance of inclusion in the education sector across a global spectrum. The anthology will be of interest to a vast range of audience, videlicet, individuals, students, researchers, professionals, et al., invested in the education sector, special needs education and pedagogy. It further proposes appeal for individuals interested in performing scientific research on the subject. The book practically aims to be of interest for any individual invested in the discipline of education, development of community and the topics pertaining to education for children with SEN.

Marking the first time an entire book has been dedicated to the topic of successful inclusive education, in this volume leading experts address international perspectives on funding models, the role of resources, and the development of professionals for the implementation of effective inclusive education.

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.

The current emphasis on individualised intervention programmes for students with special needs may not only be impractical, but also undesirable. This book compares and contrasts special needs approaches with school effectiveness strategies. The author sets out theories about inclusive schooling that arise out of a detailed scrutiny of practice. The link between theory and practice will be welcomed by many practitioners. With extensive examples from the field to illustrate Ainscow's ideas, this is an eminently accessible text.