This article, by Brahm Norwich of the Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter, sets the recent legislative changes in the special education system in England, the Children and Families Act (2014), in the context of wider changes in the school system, such as changes in curriculum-assessment, the governance of schools and inspection…

In this article, Brahm Norwich, Professor of Education at the University of Exeter, examines the roles that special schools can play within inclusive educational systems. He notes that the percentage of young people in special schools in England has remained broadly stable over a number of years, despite inclusive policy initiatives. Brahm Norwich…

As we move towards a more inclusive education system in the UK, there is a real need to equip teachers to work in more diverse classrooms from the start of their teaching careers. In this article, Gill Golder, teaching and research fellow (physical education), Brahm Norwich, Professor of Educational Psychology and Special Educational Needs, and…

This article discusses the withdrawal of a publication that tracked British local education agency (LEA) trends in placement of pupils with disabilities in special schools. It describes the data problem encountered by counting pupils in non-LEA special schools within the boundaries of LEAs that did not place the students. (CR)

This article reports on a British study that examined the connotations of several special education labels (abnormality, deficit, impairment, disability, learning difficulties, and special educational needs) to experienced teachers, trainee teachers, and trainee educational psychologists (total N=220). All three groups rated "special education…

The field of special education is discussed in terms of "connective specialization," the contrary tendencies in the distinctiveness and yet inherent connectedness of special education with other areas of education. Its implications for inclusion are reviewed. The article emphasizes the need to view children as having individual needs, needs…

Following a review of recent policy trends concerning special education teacher training, the article describes an inservice training course focusing on four modules: identification and intervention, curriculum development, consultancy skills, and patterns of provisions. (CL)

Issues involved in adapting Britain's National Curriculum for students with special educational needs are discussed. Outlined are the official position on modification and disapplication of the curriculum, the lack of adequate guidance in this area, the need to distinguish between modifications and disapplications, and possible patterns of…