Enacting inclusion: a framework for interrogating inclusive practice

The intervention of Intensive Interaction is gaining attention for its demonstrated effectiveness in promoting social engagement in individuals with severe communicative impairments. The present study sought to extend the evidence base for this intervention by investigating the rapidity with which an increase in engagement becomes apparent. Videotapes of the first Intensive Interaction session for 10 adults with profound learning disabilities were microanalytically coded for four measures of engagement: eye gaze, bodily orientation to partner, proximity to partner, and emotional valence. Results showed an increase for all participants on at least two measures, while 70% of the sample showed increases on all four measures. Such shifts occurred within only a few minutes of the onset of the session (ranging from three to 14 minutes). Non‐parametric analyses confirmed that this robust pattern of increases would not have been predicted to occur by chance. These findings indicate that Intensive Interaction is effective in rapidly promoting social engagement, even for individuals with a long history of apparent social avoidance. Suggestions for future lines of enquiry, at both the empirical and conceptual levels, are discussed.     

Reciprocal influences among relational self-views, social disengagement, and peer stress during early adolescence

This study examined reciprocal-influence models of the association between relational self-views and peer stress during early adolescence. The first model posited that adolescents with negative self-views disengage from peers, creating stress in their relationships. The second model posited that exposure to peer stress fosters social disengagement, which elicits negative self-views. Participants were 605 early adolescents (M age = 11.7). As part of a 3-wave longitudinal study adolescents reported on self-views and stress, and teachers reported on social disengagement. As hypothesized, negative self-views predicted social disengagement, which contributed to peer stress. Stress predicted subsequent disengagement and negative self-views. These findings suggest that adolescents and their environments participate in reciprocal-influence processes that account for cross-temporal continuity in personal attributes of youth and their social experiences.     

Computer-based basic skills instruction in a CETA funded project: A case study

This study investigated the question, Can computer-based education be used to develop literacy and mathematics skills in young adults so that they can pursue job and career opportunities that are not subsidized by agencies and the public and private sector? It also examined issues related to the motivation of students whose training was subsidized by CETA funding and that of learners who sought training voluntarily. In general, the study did not yield the results the program administrators expected. The computer-based instruction seemed to have little effect on program participants. Discussion probes at issues related to similar failures in CETA-funded projects and makes specific recommendations about the conditions of learning that must be present and the types of incentives necessary for the successful implementation of job skills training.     

Scenarios for Leadership and Abandonment in the Transformation of Schools

Starting from developments at the turn of the century, this article describes how events in the early years of the new millennium lead to quite different outcomes for schools. Decisions in the next 5 years will determine which shall prevail. Scenarios are tested against a view of 'world class schools' that calls for a balance of enduring values in the classical formulation of liberty, equality and fraternity, the realisation of which depends on two contemporary values of efficiency and economic growth. Domains for leadership to 2020 and beyond are described. Peter Drucker's challenge to see 'abandonment' as an aspect of leadership is taken up.