Leading for inclusion : the role of the head of department for inclusion in Maltese middle and secondary state schools

Abstract

This chapter examines the significance of the role of Head of Department for Inclusion (HoD - Inclusion) in Maltese middle and secondary state schools as it identifies the opportunities and challenges that these HoDs - Inclusion encounter as they coordinate inclusive education provision. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews that were conducted with five HoDs Inclusion working in either a middle or a secondary local state school demonstrates the competence of the HoD - Inclusion to promote a shared vision for inclusive school cultures and to guide change in the Maltese educational context. This analysis additionally identifies a number of organisational and operationalisation barriers which undermine the effectiveness of this role. The chapter suggests that an enriched understanding of the role of the HoD - Inclusion can potential(v serve as an opportunity to inform policy and practice to support and implement a truly inclusive education philosophy.