Perceptions of Inclusion: Relationships Between Stakeholders in Special Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students and Special Education: Perceptions of Inclusion and Parental Involvement Policy

Abstract

The opinions of stakeholders in special education (i.e. parents, school officials, district personnel) toward the inclusion movement are especially important for its success, yet research has not typically addressed the consequences of these perceptions or the interactions between these groups. The current study aimed to investigate 1) the relationships between educators, families of students with special needs, and the overarching community; and 2) how these stakeholders feel about our current education system. Utilizing semi-structured interviews from 5 parents, 5 administrators, 4 teachers, and 3 specialists within one suburban school district, results revealed 9 major themes; furthermore, they suggest that stakeholders’ perceptions are impacted by a) age of the student, and b) type of disability.

Authors

• Adrienne D. Woods, University of Michigan

• Frederick J. Morrison, University of Michigan