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Barriers to inclusion in Singapore’s mainstream primary school
Author
Chua, Angelin Xiao Ying
Supervisor
Chong, Wan Har
Abstract
Since Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shared the vision for Singapore to become an inclusive society in 2004, Singapore ministries and government agencies have taken considerable efforts to provide more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the society and to enjoy equal access to public services such as education. Much research has been conducted about inclusive education in various countries. However, as inclusion is a relatively new educational initiative in Singapore that is not yet mandated, there have been few studies investigating inclusive practices within the Singapore context. Hence, this study aimed to investigate possible challenges faced by school personnel (AED(LBS), TSN and teachers) who are practising inclusion within the Singapore schools so as to inform areas for change to encourage more inclusive practices in the future. Using a qualitative approach, barriers to inclusion were reviewed based on the responses that were gathered in focus group interviews from 193 school personnel who came from 40 resourced primary schools. The findings revealed major themes for barriers to inclusion in Singapore mainstream primary school setting. The barriers comprised of system, personnel, collaboration and student factors that included challenges such as great emphasis on academic achievements within the Singapore education system, the lack of training and preparation of school personnel supporting inclusion, the lack of collaboration with parents of students with special education needs (SEN) and non-SEN, and behavioural issues in students with SEN.
Date Issued
2016
Call Number
LC1203.S55 Chu
Date Submitted
2016