A study investigated inclusion policies and practices of 12 British local education authorities (LEAs). Results found six overlapping and interconnecting themes that seem to be crucial to the development of more inclusive practices within LEAs: policy development, funding strategies, process and structures, the management of change, partnerships,…

This article identifies the different approaches to speech and language difficulties commonly used by speech and language therapists and by teachers and suggests that an integration of these frameworks could provide more comprehensive support for a wider range of children with language and communication difficulties. (Author/CR)

This article explores four key threats to the movement toward inclusion within the field of special educational needs: the lack of precision in definitions of inclusion; the lack of research evidence, the tendency for some children to experience internal exclusion in the schools, and the continuing inclination to label children. (Author/CR)

This article considers the research evidence from United Kingdom evaluations of integrated learning systems, systems that include extensive computer-based courseware plus management software. It discusses the value of these systems for pupils with learning difficulties and focuses on their effects on the reading attainments of pupils who are lower…

A study of 85 English children (ages 8-13) whose behavior had prompted placement in a school for students with emotional and behavioral disorders found an overall rate of psychiatric disturbance in the group was 86 percent, and, in particular, the rate of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was 70 percent. (Author/CR)

This article investigates parents' status within educational research and examines some research paradigms that have been used. A number of inherent methodological and ethical issues are identified and several fundamental aspects are explored. It is argued that researchers should adopt a partnership model for cooperative research on parental…

Reviews, from a British perspective, the literature on lifelong inclusive education for individuals with learning disabilities. The role of the family, community, and society in an inclusive educational culture is discussed. The paper urges more longitudinal studies, structured evaluation of inclusive educational developments, basic research on…

Reports findings of a study which surveyed and interviewed teachers (N=16) of students with Fragile X Syndrome attending special schools in the United Kingdom. Data reported include activities liked and disliked by these pupils, effect of time of day on pupil behavior, classroom environment and organization, prevention of behavior problems, and…

The Principal Manager for Equal Opportunities and Access of the British Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) outlines recent and future developments initiated by the QCA concerning inclusion of students with special educational needs. Discussion focuses on general principles of the QCA, the National Curriculum, "target setting" for pupils…

Describes a framework for teaching British National Curriculum subjects to pupils with profound learning difficulties. Discussion focuses on curriculum adaptations, educational rationale for subject selection, insights from subject specialists, and integration of therapies, health care, and emotional support within education. (DB)

Considers the potential of social-constructivist ideas of teaching and learning for pupils with learning difficulties from a British perspective. Reports on a study with a class of eight students with moderate learning disabilities studying the local community. Benefits to individual students in the development of conceptual understanding and…

Examines the potential usefulness of intensive interaction as an educational methodology with pupils whose learning difficulties are compounded by autism. Review of empirical case-study evidence together with questionnaire and interview data from teachers suggests that this intensive approach to developing fundamental social and communication…

Describes a qualitative investigation into teachers' views of annual reviews as required under the British Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. Emphasis is on the need to reduce the paperwork required of schools and local education agencies in relation to annual reviews. Issues identified concern statutory administrative systems, individual…

This study evaluated the use of the Dyslexia Screening Test (DST) in six primary schools in England with 44 children from 12 classes. Teachers perceived the DST to be useful and necessary. The great majority of teachers indicated that the test's findings were consistent with their expectations from pupils' classroom performance and that they…

Discusses the implications of evidence on the connections between social and economic deprivation and special educational needs in a British context. Focuses on several recent government reports which detail evidence of the association between poverty and low educational attainment and urges schools to work with other agencies to address the…