Teachers’ perspective on the inclusion of students with significant disabilities in mainstream schools

Abstract

Inclusive education is about educating all learners, after all education is for all. Every child has the fundamental right to education, and according to the Salamanca Statement in 1994, the education system should take into account the needs of each student, including those with individual educational needs. Through a qualitative approach, teachers from two schools, one state school and one church school were interviewed. The questions focused on their opinion regarding the inclusion of students with significant disabilities in mainstream schools. The teachers were also asked to speak about their method of teaching the students during the lesson as well as what they think about inclusion and how they are willing to improve inclusion in order to give every student the right to education. Various ideas and opinions were brought up throughout the interviews. Some teachers had positive comments regarding the inclusion of students with significant disabilities in mainstream schools while others had slightly less positive comments. Even though every interviewee had different ideas and opinions, most of the teachers agreed on certain issues as well. Everyone agreed that students with significant disabilities should definitely be included in mainstream schools, but in smaller groups. This will not only help them academically, but they will have the opportunity to integrate with their peers.