This book provides a highly informative yet concise overview of special education and inclusive education that serves as a valuable introduction to the field. Using a framework and relevant scenarios in inclusive educational settings to help readers develop a basic understanding of key concepts, it shares effective practices and engages readers in discussions on current research. Further, it highlights the commonalities between different levels of education and explores transitions across them. The book addresses theory, policy, practice and research issues in special education and inclusive education from an Australian perspective, focusing on current developments in Australian educational settings and classrooms. It also examines international issues and developments while highlighting the unique characteristics of the Australian educational context. As such, it appeals to post-graduate students, pre-service teachers, teachers and other professionals in the area.

This book provides a highly informative yet concise overview of special education and inclusive education that serves as a valuable introduction to the field. Using a framework and relevant scenarios in inclusive educational settings to help readers develop a basic understanding of key concepts, it shares effective practices and engages readers in discussions on current research. Further, it highlights the commonalities between different levels of education and explores transitions across them. The book addresses theory, policy, practice and research issues in special education and inclusive education from an Australian perspective, focusing on current developments in Australian educational settings and classrooms. It also examines international issues and developments while highlighting the unique characteristics of the Australian educational context. As such, it appeals to post-graduate students, pre-service teachers, teachers and other professionals in the area.

What does inclusion really mean and what impact have inclusive approaches to education had on practice? Bringing together issues of theory, research, policy and practice from both the countries of the South and the North, this ground-breaking book provides a critical discussion of recent developments in the field of inclusive education. The authors consider developments, both in current thinking about the meaning of inclusion and in terms of policies and practices, in the context of education systems across the world and their differences and inter-relatedness. Topics covered include the increasing pressure on educators to develop a global policy agenda for inclusive education, the individual needs of children, the illusion of inclusivity and the importance of local contexts in determining policy. The book's international perspective illuminates common successes, failures and concerns. With case studies from Europe, the Caribbean and Australasia, the book also features chapter summaries, questions to facilitate critical thinking and discussion, case studies and suggestions for further reading. An essential read for anyone studying inclusive education, special educational needs, disability studies, social policy and international and comparative education, this book will ignite debate and enable the reader to develop a deep understanding of the issues. Ann Cheryl Armstrong is the Director of the Division of Professional Learning, Derrick Armstrong is Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) and Professor of Education and Ilektra Spandagou is a Lecturer in Inclusive Education. They are all based at the University of Sydney, Australia.