Translating theory to practice for principals working within inclusive education policy

Authors

Amanda A. Webster, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

130715

Publication Details

Webster, A. A. (2018). Translating theory to practice for principals working within inclusive education policy. In K. Trimmer, R. Dixon & Y. S. Findlay (Eds.), The Palgrave Handbook of Education Law for Schools (pp. 257-280). Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan.

Abstract

In the 21st century, inclusive education is considered not just good practice, but a right for all children, including students with disabilities (McLeskey et al. 2014; Peters 2007). As a reflection of this philosophy, many countries have passed legislation and policies establishing the right of children with disabilities to have the same educational opportunities as their peers (Artiles et al. 2011). Recent research (Graham and Spandagou 2011; Webster and Roberts 2015) suggests that although school leaders may believe in the theory of inclusive education, they often experience difficulties with the practical reality of addressing the diverse needs of students with disabilities within the mainstream curriculum and environment.