عنوان

Teachers' and parents' attitudes towards inclusion in inclusive schools in Saudi Arabia

Number

TLets582209

Title Proper

Teachers' and parents' attitudes towards inclusion in inclusive schools in Saudi Arabia

General Material Designation

[Thesis]

First Statement of Responsibility

Alanazi, Mona

Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.

University of Warwick

Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.

2012

Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree

Thesis (Ph.D.)

Text preceding or following the note

2012

Text of Note

Implementation of educational inclusion policy has been shown to be influenced by a range of factors, such as leadership, training opportunities, collaborative teamwork and, the focus of this thesis, parents' and teachers' attitudes towards inclusion. This study explores perspectives and practices on inclusion in Saudi Arabia in the context of inclusive primary schools for girls, with specific consideration given to the inclusion of children assessed as having learning difficulties, specifically being dyslexic, seeking to understand how the country culture informs understandings of inclusion. Reflections on theoretical perspectives on special educational needs and inclusion consider concepts of equality, difference, diversity and inclusion within Islam. In this interpretativeconstructivist study, data collected from five schools in contrasting socio-economic environments are presented under the thematic headings of: inclusion, teaching strategies and the curriculum, school ethos and collaboration, and leadership, training and resources. Participants were general and special needs education supervisors and teachers, headteachers, parents of children with and without SEN and children. Data was collected through interviews, observations and exercises with children. The use of observations recognized that expressed attitudes do not necessarily translate into manifest actions and that barriers to inclusion may lie in practicalities as well as attitudes. The findings show that understandings and implementation of inclusion in Saudi Arabia are informed mainly by Islamic precepts, especially those concerning equity and difference, but that cultural traditions also play a role. Attitudes towards inclusion were generally positive, although less so regarding children with cognitive impairment. However, further progress in implementing inclusion requires certain key issues to be addressed, in particular how inclusion is understood and collaboration, between general and special needs teachers, school and home and schools and the Ministry of Education. The thesis concludes by proposing that the implementation of inclusion would be enhanced by the adoption of a capability approach.

BF Psychology ; LC Special aspects of education

Alanazi, Mona

University of Warwick

Electronic name

p

[Thesis]

276903

a

Y