Inclusion in Malaysian integrated preschools |
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| Authors: | Sailajah Sukumaran Vanessa A Green |
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| Institution: | 1. Institute of Teacher Education, Raja Melewar Campus, Seremban, N. Sembilan, Malaysia;2. Faculty of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | Inclusive education has been introduced through a number of policy developments in Malaysia over the last 10 years but there is little research investigating the extent and nature of inclusive education for preschoolers with special educational needs (SEN). This study surveyed both regular and special education teachers in Malaysian integrated preschools asking them about the level and nature of inclusion taking place in their preschools and their perceptions and beliefs about inclusion. There was little evidence of practices of inclusion taking place. Both regular and special educators agreed that SEN should be educated alongside their peers in a school but were unlikely to agree that the SEN students should be in the same classroom. Factors identified as influencing inclusion included school culture, skills and competency, guidance and information, workload and students' disabilities. More guidelines and support are required for successful inclusion in Malaysian integrated preschools. |
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| Keywords: | inclusive education curriculum and instruction education policy |
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