Achieving Inclusion? Effective Resourcing of Students With Special Educational Needs

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Special Education Research SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Resourcing students with special educational needs (SEN) is a topic of much discussion internationally but there is little consensus on the most equitable approach. In Ireland, increasing costs and higher levels of SEN prevalence in mainstream schools have meant that supply-oriented models where students are individually allocated resources are gradually being replaced by demand-oriented models where funds are allocated at school level allowing provision to be tailored to individual need. This paper examines the current through-put system of special educational needs funding in Ireland, using data from a National Census of Mainstream Schools in the Republic of Ireland. Examining the profile and characteristics of the SEN population across different school contexts we assess whether funds are reaching the correct population.

Authors

• Selina M. McCoy, Economic and Social Research Institute

• Joanne C. Banks, The Economic and Social Research Institute

• Denise Frawley, Economic and Social Research Institute