The objective of this study is to identify the reasons as to why inclusion, which displayed rapid quantitative progress, is remaining standstill in terms of qualitative perspectives and to search for ways of enabling inclusion of the genuine sense for...
The objective of this study is to identify the reasons as to why inclusion, which displayed rapid quantitative progress, is remaining standstill in terms of qualitative perspectives and to search for ways of enabling inclusion of the genuine sense for children with disabilities by looking at aspects of education for children with disabilities that is being conducted in special and general classes of elementary school.
Data were collected through participant observation and in-depth interview, the methods of qualitative study. On the basis of the cases collected, aspects of inclusion for children with disabilities conducted in special and general classes were examined.
As a result, I found that establishment of relationship through which teachers of special and general classes as well as parents of students cooperated with and trusted each other for efficient education of children with disabilities was necessary in the scene of special class. Also, the result indicated absence of system capable of identifying strengths of children with disabilities at earlier phase, therefore of improving such strengths as well as necessity of curriculum possible to be applied to both special and general classes. In the scene of general class, it was observed that teacher's attitude of acceptance for and interest in children with disabilities influenced general children in their accepting and having consideration for children with disabilities. Also, teacher's appropriate handling of problematic behaviors of children with disabilities served as an opportunity for general children to accept children with disabilities. In addition to teachers and general children, children with disabilities are also members of a general class who are to exert effort for education. Therefore, it was found that effort at home to correct problematic behaviors of children with disabilities was also necessary. Above all, for inclusion of children with disabilities in the genuine sense, participants in inclusion must anticipate positive development in children with disabilities, show continuous interest in them and cooperate with each other.
Based on the results of this study, suggestions for qualitative development of inclusion are made as of the following.
Firstly, for establishment of inclusion, understanding on entire areas of special education together with atmosphere at school to accept children with disabilities must be achieved. For this, school administrators must provide support to correctly understand and conduct special education and inclusion. Also, teachers of both general and special classes must provide appropriate educational environment to children with disabilities through continuous and consistent cooperation.
Secondly, for qualitative development of inclusion for children with disabilities, systematic support must be provided, such as provision of special education assistants in general class. Also, schools must provide parents of both general children and children with disabilities with education to improve awareness on disabilities together with education on roles of general and special classes. Furthermore, effort must be exerted to enable systematic completion of education to improve awareness on disabilities targeted to general teachers and children participating in inclusion from the stage of planning to execution.
In order for children with disabilities to be included in the society as whole beings, correct execution of inclusion in school must be achieved. Everyone participating in inclusion must exert effort with the faith that it is 'our own responsibility'.