This paper presents findings from a qualitative study of a group of 12 teachers in primary special schools in Scotland for children with moderate learning difficulties. It sets out an analysis of classroom observations and interviews that explored teachers' knowledge and beliefs about teaching and learning in mathematics with children with…

As more students with special educational needs attend mainstream schools, it is critical that the role and operation of special schools be examined. This article reports on two case studies, one special school in England and one in Ireland, which formed part of a national review of the role of special schools and special classes in Ireland. Two…

Education reform towards a whole school approach to catering for diversity within Hong Kong government schools has seen the initiation of several strategies to support mainstream schools in this transition. One of these approaches is the use of a resource school model. Special and mainstream schools in Hong Kong are being invited to establish…

From the 1960s, the development of home-school relationships in special schools has become increasingly important, culminating in the current official understanding of parents as partners. This paper traces the development of the relationship, setting out the challenges to partnership development from professional perspectives within education. A…

In November 2003, the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) commissioned the SCRE Centre at the University of Glasgow to evaluate the impact of Section 15 of the "Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000". The evaluation took place between January 2004 and August 2005. A major strand of the research was the impact of the presumption…

Behavioural and emotional problems occur more frequently in children with learning problems than in a cross-section of the general population, both at home and at school. While behaviour problems reportedly are a key obstructive factor impeding inclusive education, children with both behavioural and learning disabilities carry a high risk of…

Children with specific speech and language difficulties pose a challenge to the education and health systems. In addition to their language difficulties they are also at risk of literacy and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The main support for children with more severe difficulties has been enhanced provision in mainstream schools…

The changing British society with new commitments to educational inclusion for disabled people should mean increased individual freedom of choice and greater chance of participation. However, juggling this with the continuing emphasis on education for the economy brings the danger of new forms of social exclusion of those who do have different…

There has been much debate concerning the pros and cons of special and mainstream education for young people with a disability. This paper adds data to this debate by reporting the educational experiences of 20 high-achievers with congenital disabilities who live in the United Kingdom and were born between 1950 and 1970. It presents personal…

A study examined circumstances leading to residential school placements. Findings revealed wide variations in the use of residential schools by 21 local English authorities and conflicting views between and within authorities on the suitability of such placements. Parents' experiences were characterized by a lack of support in their…

Teachers were taught "Translation Activities" (TA) to teach science process skills in three special education schools in South Africa. In TA, information and data are provided as text, diagrams, tables, or graphs, and cooperative learning takes place. Teachers indicated the use of TA enabled them to deliver Outcomes Based Education. (Contains…

Interviews with 76 former special school students (ages 16-25) found many were experiencing fractured transitions from school but were more positive about their schools than peers who attended mainstream provision. Students displayed a high level of purposefulness but lacked personal and social resources to support their progression. (Contains…

Self-concept and self-esteem in 63 children with dyslexia were examined. Presence of dyslexia produced marked effects on self-concept and self-esteem, more so in participants attending mainstream schools rather than those in special education units. Children felt isolated, excluded in their schools, and up to half were regularly teased. (Contains…

A study examined one English local education authority's approach for developing greater links between a special school and mainstream schools, with the intention of enabling pupils with complex needs to be supported in mainstream classrooms. Results from interviews with 25 teachers indicate the need for effective classroom support. (Contains…

This study examined peer relationships and friendships using sociometric techniques with a class of seven adolescents attending a special day school in Britain for students with severe learning difficulties. Results indicated that social choices made were stable and valid and based on similar criteria of acceptability to mainstream choices. Most…