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Inclusive Education
International Policy & Practice

First Edition


December 2009 | 176 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
What does inclusion really mean and what impact have inclusive approaches to education had on practice?

Bringing together issues of theory, research, policy and practice from both the countries of the South and the North, this ground-breaking book provides a critical discussion of recent developments in the field of inclusive education.

The authors consider developments, both in current thinking about the meaning of inclusion and in terms of policies and practices, in the context of education systems across the world and their differences and inter-relatedness. Topics covered include the increasing pressure on educators to develop a global policy agenda for inclusive education, the individual needs of children, the illusion of inclusivity and the importance of local contexts in determining policy. The book's international perspective illuminates common successes, failures and concerns.

With case studies from Europe, the Caribbean and Australasia, the book also features chapter summaries, questions to facilitate critical thinking and discussion, case studies and suggestions for further reading.

An essential read for anyone studying inclusive education, special educational needs, disability studies, social policy and international and comparative education, this book will ignite debate and enable the reader to develop a deep understanding of the issues.

Ann Cheryl Armstrong is the Director of the Division of Professional Learning, Derrick Armstrong is Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) and Professor of Education and Ilektra Spandagou is a Lecturer in Inclusive Education. They are all based at the University of Sydney, Australia.

 
PART ONE: HISTORY, SOCIAL CONTEXT AND KEY IDEAS
 
Inclusive Education: Key Themes
 
The Social History of Inclusion
 
The Current State of Inclusive Education: Contradictions and Concerns
 
PART TWO: POLICY CASE STUDIES
 
Globalization: Internationalization of Inclusive Education
 
The Impact of International Agencies on Inclusive Policies
 
The European Union: A Common Policy on Inclusion?
 
PART THREE: FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE
 
Making Inclusion Special: A Case Study of English Policy Contradictions
 
From Policy to Practice: Defining Inclusion in Schools
 
Exporting Inclusion to the Developing World
 
PART FOUR: CONCLUSIONS AND REFLECTIONS
 
A conclusion or a Starting Point for the Future?
 
An Epilogue on Reflection

'This is a book that would be of interest and of value to those completing additional study in education as it contains theory, research, policy and practice and is complimented by chapter summaries, case studies and points for reflection and discussion' -

Learning and Teaching Update


'This is not a feel-good book, even though it hopes and believes in a better education and better lives for all. It is an exquisite balance between the theory, policy and practice of inclusive education. It confronts the difficulties with the term, and the bifurcation in policy and practice of ability/disability, advantage/disadvantage, normality/diversity. It provides a major commentary on education and its restricted and restrictive models, which exclude not just certain bodies but also what they embody' - Trevor Gale, Director, National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education, University of South Australia


'This book is essential reading for all concerned with the issue of inclusive education, addressing key themes, ideas and existing understandings in a critical, innovatory and informative manner. Through cross-cultural insights and practices, questions of definition, the impact of globalisation and the unacceptable dominance of North over South interests and concerns are carefully highlighted and challenged. The authors have provided a lucid, readable, clear and critical contribution to our knowledge and understanding of this fundamentally important issue' - Emeritus Professor Len Barton, Institute of Education, University of London


'This book offers a powerfully argued and long overdue critique of international developments in inclusive education....SENCOs, or other education professionals who may wish to study or work in international contexts, and developing countries in particular, will learn much from this book' -
SENCO Update


A great book, added to the reading list

Mrs Emma Marie Punter
Health and Social Care Department, East Coast College (Great Yarmouth)
June 10, 2020

fabulous book great addition, great resource to keep going back to.

Mrs Emma Marie Punter
Health and Social Care Department, East Coast College (Great Yarmouth)
March 5, 2020

A good book to use for student reading on inclusive education at under graduate level and introductions to Masters if new to the student.

Dr Judy Sayers
School of Education, Leeds University
May 15, 2020

There are critical areas within this book that promote debate. It is a very good read for undergraduates on any education or SEND course. The additional reading at the end of the chapters signpost to further support one's understanding. Overall a well laid out book which is informative.

Miss Michelle Bramley
School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University
March 13, 2019

This book will form part of the revised reading list for this course
thanks you

Mr Phillip Morgan
School of Social Justice and Inclusion, University of Wales, Trinity St David
July 3, 2015

A very clearly set out book: overview of the chapter at the start, discussion questions and points for reflection and a chapter summary orientate the reader well. Key policies and legislation are identified and it is good to have the international perspective, especially for my MA Dyslexia researcha nd practice students. A comprehensive book around inclusion

Mrs Irene Scott
Faculty of Education (Parkgate), Chester University
April 21, 2015

Offer an international / global/ comparative dimension to the literature in the field, which many other texts do not
Good use of Chapter introductions, chapter summaries and discussion activities

Dr Dominic Griffiths
Faculty of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University
February 24, 2015

Points for discussion and reflection boxes allow students to explore and critically evaluate their own practice. Ideal for students exploring the international perspective.

Miss Rebecca Bolan
Dept of Psychology, Kingston University
January 5, 2015

This book covers the key policies and legislation underpinning inclusive education. With thought-provoking discussion points in each chapter this would be of particular interest to those on initial teacher education courses.

Mrs Sue Fraser
School of Education, Social Work &, Dundee University
August 11, 2014

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