ERIC Number: EJ937180
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0827-3383
EISSN: N/A
School Culture for Students with Significant Support Needs: Belonging Is Not Enough
Carroll, Diane; Fulmer, Connie; Sobel, Donna; Garrison-Wade, Dorothy; Aragon, Lorenso; Coval, Lisa
International Journal of Special Education, v26 n2 p120-127 2011
This qualitative study examined the influence of school culture on services for students with significant support needs. Students with significant support needs are defined as those who typically have cognitive impairments, often paired with sensory and physical challenges, and who require substantial supports to receive benefit from education. Using Schein's (1988) definition of culture, ethnographic methods, including observations, interviews and artifacts, were used to collect data related to artifacts, values, and assumptions. Results of this study indicate a strong sense of family, community and belonging. However, belonging did not include critical components of instruction as described as best practice in special education literature.
Descriptors: School Culture, Ethnography, Disabilities, Special Needs Students, Mental Retardation, Student Needs, Observation, Interviews, Values, Family Influence, Special Education, Teaching Methods, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Delivery Systems, Inclusion, High Schools
International Journal of Special Education. 2889 Highbury Street, Vancouver, BC V6R 3T7, Canada. Web site: http://www.internationaljournalofspecialeducation.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A