The purpose of this research study was to examine the relationship between the change process for inclusive teaching practices and the attitudes of educators toward inclusion of students with disabilities in the general educational setting. This research study was based upon the theoretical construct of Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations, which identifies the specific process in which any innovation is introduced within a social organization. A descriptive correlational design was used to examine the quantitative data collected from teachers and administrators from school districts. Teachers and administrators completed the Opinions Relative to the Integration of Students with Disabilities (ORl; Antonak & Larrivee, 1995) and the Change Process Survey (CPS; Keaster, 2007). The ORl assessed the educators' attitudes toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in the general classroom across four constructs. In addition, the CPS measured participants' responses to the change process in regards to the implementation of inclusion within the schools. The sample consisted of 96 educators (83 teachers and 13 administrators) from 7 schools within a geographical region of south central Kentucky. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and inferential analysis consisting of both parametric and nonparametric methodologies: t-test for independent samples, Mann-Whitney U test, and ANOVA. The results indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between the change process constructs and the educators' attitudes toward the inclusive innovation. However, teachers' attitudes varied significantly as compared to administrators' perceptions of teachers' attitudes, as teachers indicated the need for further training on inclusion in order for the program to be successful. This research contributes to the education field by highlighting the necessity for both teacher preparation programs and school districts to infuse their programs with training on topics of special education, particularly on the inclusive teaching practices for students with disabilities. The results also point out the importance of attention to all parts of the change process when any innovation is introduced in educational settings.

This study examined attitudes of general education teachers, special education teachers, and building administrators relative to inclusive practices. Using survey methodology, the level of agreement or disagreement of teachers' and administrators' attitude towards inclusive practices was measured in four areas: Planning, Classroom/School Environment, Collaboration/Team Partners, and Resources/Support/Professional Development. A purposeful sampling of participants, including 47 teachers and principals representing 30 elementary schools from a large urban school district in southern Maryland, voluntarily completed an Inclusive Practices Survey. The survey measured teacher and administrator attitude using a 22-item, five-point Likert scale. The quantitative questions were augmented by five qualitative questions that were an extension of select quantitative items. The data was analyzed using t-test, frequency distribution, Chi-Square-Cross Tabulation bivariate statistical test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Analyses revealed a significant difference between special educators and building administrators in reference to Collaboration/Team Partners. Overall, a majority of the responses for both teachers and administrators were in the strongly agree and agree somewhat categories. Comparison of the results for each of the groups separately exposed that building administrators chose the highest rating of strongly agree more frequently than did the total group. General education teachers selected strongly disagree at double the rate of special education teachers and triple the rate of administrators. Results support other researchers' findings, which indicate that principals' attitudes toward inclusion were encouraging and have an influential impact on school-wide policy and practices. Implications surfaced from the findings to signify students with and without disabilities working together collaboratively, general education teachers and special education teachers sharing the responsibility for behavior management and administration, and providing ongoing support to teachers, school teams can provide the foundation for strong inclusive practices, which may positively impact the levels of academic achievement, enhance students social skills, and improve school culture and acceptance of all.

Explains how to apply the lessons and theories of the past 15 years to the actual practice of integrating young children with disabilities into the mainstream community. Chronicles and evaluates the various research projects, programs, and models that have been and are being used. For professionals, graduates, and administrators in education and sp.

An essential handbook for educating students in the 21st century, since its initial publication A Principal's Guide to Special Education has provided guidance to school administrators seeking to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The third edition of this invaluable reference, updated in collaboration with and endorsed by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals and incorporating the perspectives of both teachers and principals, addresses such current issues as teacher accountability and evaluation, instructional leadership, collaborative teaching and learning communities, discipline procedures for students with disabilities, and responding to students' special education needs within a standards-based environment.

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 role of educational leader in inclusive education has evolved beginning with changes in federal and state legislation that were initiated in the early 1970s. Administrators are legally responsible for the education of students with special needs in the least restrictive environment. This study identifies organizational supports as well as attitudes toward inclusion reported by teachers and principals in a medium sized southwest Florida school district.