Integration of students with moderate learning difficulties

Abstract

After a discussion of the main concepts used, the differing policies and practices in a selection of countries are examined briefly. Research studies comparing the academic and social outcomes of integrated and segregated education do not offer unequivocal conclusions: as much depends on the kind of educational programme as on the setting. An examination of the conditions for effective integration shows that successful programmes place emphasis on some or all of three key features, viz. the curriculum, team teaching and support personnel. Research on attitudes towards integration leads to the conclusion that teachers are broadly positive in principle but less so in practice. But if teachers are given adequate support and improved skills, then a segregative tradition can be modified.