INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

"Over the past centuries research and practice has supported the use of inclusive practices as opposed to segregation. Political events relating to equality for all have spurred these changes. This book provides a valuable journey of exploration into these processes that have brought us where we are today - slow but steady progress towards inclusive practices within mainstream schools." International Journal of Disability, Development and Education

"Everyone believes in inclusion - or do they? This excellent new book takes readers on a compelling historical journey which explores the beliefs, the barriers, the evidence and the practice that surrounds the pursuit of a more inclusive education system. Historically 'the time never seems to have been right' for a fully inclusive education system in Great Britain. Perhaps the climate and context of the first decade of the 21st Century has the potential to make it the 'Age of Inclusion'. If so - this book will certainly help us to achieve this elusive goal." Tony Dessent, Luton Borough Council

"Ten years after the Salamanca Statement, this book helpfully brings together a broad range of texts to stimulate all of us to reflect on the progress made towards more inclusive education. Particularly impressive is the way that Thomas and Vaughan locate discussion of inclusion in wider debates about the nature of society." Mel Ainscow, University of Manchester

This book examines the key influences behind the moves towards inclusive education and inclusion in mainstream society. The first of its kind anywhere in the world, this seminal work features more than 50 extracts from key documents and classic texts, alongside illuminating commentaries by two experts in the field.

Inclusive Education: Readings and Reflections demonstrates that moves to inclusion have come from many directions: research; the imperative for greater social justice; calls for civil rights; legislation that prohibits discrimination; original, distinctive projects started by imaginative educators; and the voices of those who have been through special education. These sources are marshalled and organised in this book. It is essential reading for students on a range of courses in inclusive education and special educational needs, and for anyone wishing to understand the development of inclusive education, including teachers, headteachers, educational psychologists, and parents.

Gary Thomas: Professor in Education at the University of Leeds, UK. His books include The Making of the Inclusive School (1998), Deconstructing Special Education and Constructing Inclusion (Open University Press, 2001) and Evidence-based Practice in Education (Open University Press, 2004).

Mark Vaughan is Founder and Co-Director of Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education (CSIE), a national independent centre supporting inclusion and challenging exclusion. Set up CSIE in 1982, following over four years at the Advisory Centre for Education. Prior to this he followed a career in journalism and was Deputy News Editor for the Times Educational Supplement.