An inclusive school's principal perspective successes and challenges

Date of Award

8-1-2007

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Education (M. Ed.)

Department

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Abstract

The implementation and effectiveness of inclusive education program has been under continuous debate in Pakistan. The present study was conducted in order to understand the perception of a principal with regard to successes and challenges related to Inclusive Education in the context of a private sector school in Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative case study approach of research was used in order to generate the relevant data. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore principal's perceptions. Other data collection strategies included observations, document analysis, informal discussions and a reflective journal maintained by the researcher. The findings of the study revealed that the principal of the inclusive school considered education as a right of every child, which has lead to inclusion of children with borderline and mild disabilities. The study identified some challenges which the principal is facing in his desire to include all children in his school. These challenges are deeply linked with realities of the world, both inside and outside of school. Lack of awareness, lack of resources and inadequate facilities of professional support are some of the main challenges that hinder effective implementation of inclusive education in Model Inclusive School (pseudonym). The study also reveals some successes which are: supportive leadership, professional attitudes of all staff members, their inclination towards inclusion and the desired academic outcomes of students with special educational needs. Furthermore, the principal's own belief in inclusion and his determination allowed him to ensure inclusion in his mainstream regular school.

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