Teachers' Perceptions of Inclusion for Students with Disabilities: A Survey of General and Special Educators

Authors

  • David Yasutake
  • Janet Lerner

Abstract

A survey was conducted of 255 teachers (132 general, 91 special education, 32 other school personnel) to obtain information about their perceptions and attitudes toward inclusion practices. Analyses of variance tests, descriptive statistics, and analyses ofwritten comments were used. Findings show that compared to special education teachers general education teachers are less knowledgeable about special education law, less skillful in working with students with disabilities, and make fewer teaching and testing accommodations in the classroom. In addition, general education teachers lack sufficient institutional support to make inclusion effective. The data suggest that schools must provide general education teachers with practical training and sufficient support to make inclusion a successful placement practice.

Issue

Section

Articles