The Amalgamation of Special Education? On Practices and Policies that may Render it Unrecognizable

The decades-long assault on principles of special education—some knowingly, such as the regular education initiative, and some unknowingly, such as certain presumptions and practices of full inclusion—have consequences that may negatively affect the future of the field. Protracted criticisms on the character, role, and legitimacy of traditional special education and its related policies and practices have, in some ways, weakened its identity. It is conceivable that special education, as a robust and independent educational component is being threatened. Factors leading to this conclusion are discussed as well as a call for recognition of policy implications and needed research to guide policy development.     

The stories we must tell: Developing a research agenda for multicultural and bilingual special education

Disproportion in special education based on race, ethnicity, language, and class persists. In this paper, we argue that to address this and other perpetual problems of underachievement for culturally and linguistically diverse children and youth requires examination of disability within its full sociocultural context and inclusion of the stories of those who are most affected by educational research, policy, and practice. We conducted a qualitative analysis of the existing professional literature of multicultural and bilingual special education published over 27 years in major special education journals to document omissions in the empirical research and conceptualize a research agenda around four themes: authenticity, legitimization, and multiplicity of voices; validation of culturally and linguistically responsive special education service delivery models and intervention; multicultural preparation of special educators; and underserved populations in special education.     

The Program of Work in Education Proposed By Mr. Ralf Dahrendorf

The Commission, in organizing its activities, has set up a special department with responsibility for research, science and education. This organizational decision had a political aim. Questions of research, science and education which were previously distinct and scattered throughout various fields are to be brought together and developed as an independent field of a coherent Community policy.     

Curriculum Change: the case of special education

Special education has been somewhat neglected in the sociological study of curriculum change, despite the value of sociological perspectives on policy and provision for special educational needs. This article considers the redefinition of special education over the last decade, in both mainstream and special schools, drawing on other sociological analyses of curriculum redefinition and realisation. Particular attention is given to the professional interests involved and the contexts within which change has taken place. The article concludes with a review of the implications of recent legislation for the redefinition of special education. It is suggested that the increasing convergence of policy and curriculum frameworks for both special and mainstream education requires an integrated approach to future research and analysis.     

Case Studies of the Application of Categorical and Noncategorical Special Education

The purposes of this article are (a) to present the results of a federally funded study conducted by the Research Triangle Institute concerning the application of categor- ical and noncategorical special education in both state and local education agencies and (b) to illustrate how the case study as a rigorous research strategy (Yin, 1989, 1994) was applied to this policy issue in special education. These purposes are complementary, one focusing on the primary quaiitative methods and procedures of the study, the other focusing on the findings and conclusions relative to a current issue in the delivery of special education and related services. Thus, although the format of this article follows that of the traditional research study, we discuss not only the findings relevant to the implementation of categorical and noncategorical special education, but also the advantages and limitations of case study methodology, which increasingly is being used to study policy issues in special education.     

The Dutch policy of integration put to the test: differences in academic and psychosocial development of pupils in special and mainstream education

After several failed attempts to rein in the growth of special education, the Dutch government made a start in 1991 with a policy to accommodate pupils with problems in regular education and to put a stop to the growth of special education. This paper examines a large-scale study conducted by our research group at the University of Amsterdam which attempted to answer the question whether pupils with problems are better off in special education where there are more resources and they can get more attention than in mainstream schools. It was expected that the pupils in special education would do better due to the specialist care and individual attention. However, with a few exceptions, few differences were found when comparable at-risk pupils in regular schools were compared with their counterparts in both types of special schools. There was a conspicuously large measure of variability in both regular and special education. All school types had both at-risk pupils who were doing well from an academic and/or psychosocial perspective and pupils whose progress left much to be desired. There is little evidence to support the idea that at-risk pupils make less progress, in either their academic or psychosocial development, in regular schools compared with pupils in special schools. The general assumption that at-risk pupils will do better in special education does not seem to account for its attractiveness. Contrary to the policy theory, the dual system, as it exists in The Netherlands, does not appear to be an obstacle to the provision of adequate care for pupils with special educational needs. However, the policy to equip regular schools to accommodate this category of pupils appears not to be realized as simply as that. It has not proved possible to demonstrate the effects of the varying levels of specialist help provided by regular schools on the development of at-risk pupils.     

Special educational needs and competing policy frameworks in England and Scotland

This paper explores a range of policy frameworks in play in the field of special educational needs and their relationship with procedural fairness and substantive justice. Drawing on analysis of post-1993 English and Scottish policy documents, dominant motifs in special educational needs policy are identified. It is argued that in both England and Scotland, there is a shift away from a policy framework based on professional control. Legal and bureaucratic policy frameworks are of growing importance in both countries, but change has been more rapid in England. Finally, the implications of comparative research for special educational needs policy and wider education policy are discussed.     

What is the meaning of special education? Problem representations in Swedish policy documents: late 1970s–2014

In Sweden, as in many other countries, inclusion has been on the political agenda for a long time and has served as a blueprint and guiding principle for practical work in school. However, inclusive education has, by and large, been associated with special education measures, which seriously limit the chances of achieving the vision of inclusion. In this article, we analyse how the meaning of special education is constructed in policy documents from four distinct time periods of Swedish education policy from the late 1970s to 2014. The paper draws on an approach to scrutinise the process of problematisation in public policy-making. Based on the analysis, we argue that there are prospects of a hegemonic intervention regarding the meaning of special education during later years in Swedish education policy, emphasising an individual perspective and individual deficiencies. In contrast to inclusive ambitions, this perspective advocate segregated support measures. Finally, based on previous research and tendencies within the field, we present arguments in the concluding discussion why this hegemonic intervention in education policy also might attract the support of school personnel at the local school level and some potential consequences of the expansion of special education in Sweden.     

战后英国高等教育政策决策过程、影响因素及特点分析

战后英国高等教育政策决策过程经历了一个颇具章法的步骤,即从政策问题出发、成立专门委员会,到发表调研报告、发布咨询文件,最后形成法案或法律.在这一过程中,各影响因素相互制约、各利益群体相互博弈,从而形成了颇具特色的教育宏观决策模式.借鉴这种决策模式的经验,有助于提高我国高等教育政策制定的科学性和有效性.     

Inclusive Education in Brunei Darussalam

This paper describes major developments in Brunei Darussalam during the past decade that highlight inclusive education as a significant educational agenda. A brief history of disability services is first described to provide a backdrop of pre-1994 developments and activities that occurred in the country. Next, the education system in Brunei is introduced with specific reference to how special education became relevant to serving the needs of students with special needs within the mainstream school system. Major developments in the inclusion movement during the past decade are then described in terms of policy, implementation and teacher education. The article concludes with a discussion on current local research that seeks to inform the direction of practice and policy of inclusive education in Brunei Darussalam.     

Special education in South Korea.

The development and current status of special education in South Korea are described and contrasted to that of the United States. South Korean special education was initiated in the 1890s by U.S. missionaries. Later, Japanese influence was considerable, especially on its regular educational programs. Special programs are available for five classifications of disabilities. Its major national special education legislation contains numerous provisions similar to P.L. 94-142. However, various conditions may impede the further development of services, including a high teacher-pupil ratio, the reliance on self-contained programs, negative attitudes toward people with disabilities, and lack of advocacy groups. Further initiatives require considerable research and policy debate among South Koreans.     

湖北省普通师范院校开设特殊教育课程研究报告

对在普通师范院校开设特殊教育课程的必然性与可行性、途径、方法和模式尤其是课程建设的研究成果进行了系统归纳和提炼，旨在为教育决策提供依据。     

Living in an era of comparisons: comparative research on policy,curriculum and teaching

ABSTRACT

The articles in this special issue include different perspectives on comparative policy studies with an aim to understand transnational education policies in relation to the logic of national educational systems and to grasp the ongoing reframing of teacher identity and teaching as a result of the policy activities of ‘new’ and coordinated international actors. This special issue aims to contribute to a continued qualified investigation in curriculum issues at the various levels within the public education system, as well as in the international policy movements, affecting public education differently in different nations. A ‘comparative curriculum research’ inspired by theories and methods from comparative education might be helpful in this endeavour.     

Theories in Practice: School-to-Work Transitions-for-Youth With Mild Disabilities

Systematic research into the school-to-work (STW) transition of young people with mild disabilities, a relatively new emphasis in education, has produced a wealth of information about factors associated with adult employment. Further, legislative mandates and recent educational reforms related to transition and access to the general curriculum have generated useful policy discussions about how schools can best support young people with disabilities to overcome documented barriers to work. However, theoretical perspectives embedded in and generated from research, policy, and practice on STW transitions of young people with disabilities are rarely discussed. The intent of this article is fourfold: (a) to summarize current research and models of practice on STW transition within the field of special education, (b) to identify implicit yet infrequently named theories in our research and practice, (c) to make connections to STW theories outside special education, and (d) to suggest how emerging perspectives can shape future research.     

特殊教育课程理论研究的缺失与回归

特殊教育课程理论研究的缺失是一个现实的问题,主要表现为简单移植普通教育的课程理论研究成果,没有自身特色,也没有实质性的特殊教育课程实践研究作支撑。必须通过转换研究范式、研究特殊教育课程的特殊性、特殊学校教师参与课程研究等途径走出理论研究缺失的困境。     

Issues of teacher education and inclusion in China

Since the 1980s, children with disabilities in China have been integrated into general education settings; the practice is termed sui ban jiu du, literally “learning in a regular classroom” (LRC). The term LRC means “receiving special education in general education classrooms”, and it is regarded as a practical form of inclusion in China. This paper provides context for understanding the issues of teacher education and inclusion in China by comparing the concept of LRC in China to the international concept of inclusive education. It discusses the challenges for and development of LRC at the levels of policy and practice. The main issues involved in teacher education for special/inclusive education are discussed in relation to the culture and context of current policy and its implementation, teachers’ attitudes toward LRC, the professional competence of LRC teachers, the shortage of qualified teachers, and the lack of a national system for special education certification. The final section considers strategies to develop high-quality inclusive education in China from the perspectives of policy development, professional development, and the development of procedures for policy implementation.     

教育哲学的对象视域与研究方式省思——兼议教育哲学研究两难困境的实质及出路

教育哲学特定的价值旨趣决定其特殊的对象视域与独特的研究方式。教育哲学的对象视域是审察整个教育世界,追问教育之根柢。反思与批判是教育哲学特有的研究方式。教育哲学研究的两难困境的实质在于教育哲学研究未能秉持教育哲学的价值旨趣和未能恰当地定位自身的对象视域与研究方式。教育哲学研究走出两难困境的路径在于教育哲学要秉持自身的价值旨趣,以自身独特的反思与批判的研究方式恰当地把握对象视域,恪守自身的职责与使命。     

加强我国高等教育政策研究的若干思考

随着高等教育在国家经济和社会发展中地位的日益提高 ,高等教育政策研究的重要性也日显突出。通过加强高等教育政策研究来提升政府在高等教育领域的决策能力 ,是当前高等教育发展中面临的一个十分重要的问题。在此基础上 ,作者提出了加强我国高等教育政策研究的几点建议     

Education for pupils with profound disabilities: Issues of policy,curriculum, teaching methods,and evaluation

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses some issues in the education of pupils who have profound disabilities. Following an examination of policy and curriculum issues, we review recent research on teaching methods. In particular, we look critically at the concepts and methods of behavioural psychology and its influence in this field of education. We then examine the issue of evaluation of educational outcomes using illustrations from current research at a special school for adolescents with profound disabilities. Finally, we suggest some directions for future research which place the education of persons who have profound disabilities clearly within the mainstream of educational thinking and research endeavour.     

我国社区学院发展的政策分析与建议

影响我国社区学院发展的国家教育政策有探索期、发展期、深化期三个发展阶段。从国家教育政策的规定中,可以发现我国社区学院是在发展社区教育的背景下发展起来的,社会建设是我国社区学院的特殊使命,社区学院是超越现行教育体系的多功能教育性组织。但缺乏社区学院专门政策、行政隶属难以支撑社区学院的功能、专业师资队伍匮乏等问题却制约着我国社区学院的发展。建议:构建社区学院政策体系、设立专门的行政管理部门、中央与地方联手加大投入、引导开展中国特色社区学院的研究。