Abstract

No previous systematic reviews have focused on which targeted interventions successfully raise educational outcomes (i.e. reading, writing, mathematics, science and general attainment outcomes) for students with Down syndrome. This study reports on the findings from a larger pre-registered systematic review of targeted interventions for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Here, we examined studies that have used a randomised controlled trial (RCT) or quasi-experimental design (QED) to evaluate a targeted intervention for students with Down syndrome to establish evidence of positive outcomes and to identify any research gaps. Six studies were identified. Four of these focused on interventions designed to improve reading abilities, and two focused on improving mathematical outcomes. Some positive outcomes were reported, despite the studies using small sample sizes and reporting on interventions that were implemented for less than one school term. This study highlights that individualised programmes delivered by an adult rather than by computer provide the most likely success for raising educational outcomes in students with Down syndrome. However, there are few RCT and QED studies that have evaluated what interventions can be beneficial for this population. The implications of these results and directions for future research are discussed.

Abstract

Inclusive education is a globally preferred value and practice, but according to research evidence, inclusion does not always occur as intended. Inclusion is hindered not only by various structures but also by people's attitudes, perceptions and mindsets. The aim of this research is to describe the social reality of inclusive early childhood education (ECE) constructed in professionals' speech. The data consisted of interviews of 26 ECE professionals in Finnish ECE, and a discursive approach was used in the analysis. According to this study, ECE professionals have various discourses in their speech that shape the social reality in ECE environments, further interpretable as either promoting inclusion or causing exclusion. This study highlights the importance of understanding different discourses and their role in shaping the social reality in inclusive ECE on our path towards desired inclusiveness.

Abstract

According to the declaration of the International Office of Education of UNESCO, inclusive education is not only a privilege but an inalienable right of every child. Meanwhile, students with special needs are one of the largest groups that are marginalized and denied access to education in a meaningful way. The present study seeks to identify the factors affecting inclusive education for children with special needs with a focus on the role of the family. The data in this qualitative and grounded theory were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 respondents including authorities, experts, and mothers (stakeholders) who were selected through purposive sampling in Tehran in 2023. Data analysis was performed using a constant comparison method. Data analysis revealed 221 open codes, 44 axial codes, and 12 selective codes (family engagement and actions, awareness and attitudes, culture building and awareness, effective family factors, harms and challenges, benefits, opportunities, governance and policies, adaptation, human resources, educational system, and strategic measures). The findings revealed that the basic right to access an inclusive education is not being met.

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which inclusive practices are embedded in the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes of primary education faculties in Türkiye. It seeks to examine the multiple factors that come together to influence the approaches used by teacher educators in different departments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 teacher educators and 11 student teachers from three departments of primary education, selected through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in institutional contexts and snowball sampling to reach more participants. The results have indicated that there is a serious neglect of inclusive education in these ITT programmes, where many trainees reported minimal opportunities for practical experience with students with special educational needs and disabilities during their placements. This study provides recommendations on how the ITT curriculum can be redesigned to develop a more inclusive educational framework.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to (a) provide a detailed description of how one school in the United States developed decision-making guidelines for implementing a speech-language/mental health (SLP/MHP) co-therapy service delivery model, and (b) summarize study findings based on interviews conducted with school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs), school-based licensed mental health providers (MHPs), and administrators about their perceptions of using this co-therapy model to provide services to students with intellectual/developmental disabilities (e.g., autism) and co-occurring language and mental health support needs. We used qualitative analysis to identify key themes from the 19 interviews we conducted with school-based staff, including SLPs, MHPs and administrators. Thematic analysis indicated that: (a) students demonstrated progress during co-therapy and benefited from its more holistic approach to complex, interdisciplinary content and skills; (b) SLPs felt more confident handling their students' emotional regulation needs, challenging behaviours and/or other mental health support needs; and (c) MHPs felt more confident adapting language to make therapeutic content accessible to their students with language support needs. Interviewees also discussed logistical challenges and recommendations for further guidance/training. Findings from interviews indicate that SLP/MHP co-therapy may offer a promising service delivery option for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities receiving both speech-language and mental health services through their individualized education programs (IEPs).

Abstract

In times of crisis, resilience—the ability to cope with challenges—has become crucial, especially for primary school students facing issues such as the climate crisis, the war in Ukraine, educational disadvantages, or family-related struggles. This is particularly true for students with special educational needs (SEN) or those from migrant backgrounds. The present study explores the factors that foster resilience in these students. Using a sequential explanatory design, the study involved two phases. In the first phase, resilience was measured through a paper-and-pencil questionnaire (N = 882 primary school students from Germany). In the second phase, 13 highly resilient students were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Quantitative results showed that overall, students demonstrated a high tendency towards resilience. Multilevel regression analysis revealed that personal factors (e.g., family language, SEN), relationships with peers and teachers, and school resources were significant predictors of resilience. Qualitative findings indicated that personal resources—such as self-efficacy and emotional regulation—were more influential for resilience than external factors like family or community resources.

Abstract

Flexi-schooling, an approach involving at least some instruction both at home and at school, has potential to adapt education to meet the needs of autistic students while also providing in-person school benefits. This systematic international literature review of flexi-schooling for autistic students aims to understand the advantages and disadvantages of this practice, why flexi-schooling is chosen and the factors for a successful implementation. Eight hundred and fifty-five studies were screened, of which eight met the search criteria and were analysed using thematic analysis. Flexi-schooling is seen as a way to provide autistic students with an education that is constructed to meet individual needs and is flexible enough to address changes. Nevertheless, it can also be a challenging process that requires commitment, trust and additional effort from parents and teachers and may face various barriers. Flexi-schooling can be difficult to implement due to power imbalances between school and home and a lack of communication and cooperation. Flexi-schooling is an idea that has not yet been widely implemented in practice, and there is little information available about how it is put into action. Although it is rarely a first choice, it is often considered as a positive solution to a challenging and constantly changing situation.

Abstract

Psychoeducational reports prepared by the Educational Psychological Service are foundational for special educational support in Norway, ensuring equitable opportunities for development, learning and participation among children with special educational needs in mainstream Early Childhood Education and Care settings. This qualitative study examines the characteristics of recommended goals and support measures in these reports, and how they promote or inhibit inclusion. Through a holistic approach, the study explores individual and social contextual considerations within the recommendation sections of seven reports for children aged 3–5 years. Employing reflexive thematic analysis, our findings suggest that while certain measures promote children's participation in inclusive communities, there is a predominant focus on the individual child. This emphasis often centres on skill acquisition and ability development through performance-based goals and compensatory measures. However, while most recommendations are individually oriented, certain measures appear generalised and broadly applicable to most children, highlighting the challenges of addressing each child's unique needs in their specific context. The study's implications underscore the necessity for a holistic approach in the field of special education, both at the policy and legislative levels. Such an approach is essential for enabling psychoeducational reports to promote inclusion in early childhood education and care settings.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe tactile exploratory behaviours and strategies applied by students with deafblindness when they actively explore objects by touch in terms of their texture and weight. For the needs of the present study, a Delphi consultation methodology was applied by the authors and special education teachers. The students were invited to participate in matching activities with familiar objects focusing on texture and weight, respectively. The analysis revealed that the students adopted a combination of tactile exploratory behaviours and strategies in order to identify an object's texture and weight. It seemed that the tactile exploratory strategy ‘Pressure’ in combination with a variety of tactile behaviours such as banging, shaking or/and rotating was in common. The results may contribute to the formation of more sophisticated individualized educational plans giving emphasis on active touch. Tactile exploratory strategies procedures are considered to be of high importance for students with deafblindness since they constitute ‘roadmaps’ for them to build-up their knowledge following a ‘kinesthetic reasoning’.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to produce new insights of ethical issues in special needs educators' (SNEs) consultation with teachers in Swedish schools, by using the theoretical lens of Løgstrup's (1997) theory the Ethical Demand. The research questions concern (1) how the SNEs describe the content of their consultation and (2) how the SNEs describe how they deal with resistance to consultation. Semi-structured interviews with eight SNEs were analysed by using the theory of The Ethical Demand by Løgstrup. Main results are that consultation is viewed as widening the thinking of the teachers and resistance is dealt with by SNEs avoiding undesired consultation. Resistance to consultation is regarded as a way for teachers to maintain their integrity when being forced to consultation. The study reveals that ethical issues are deeply integrated in consultation and the use of the theory of the Ethical Demand sheds new light on the ethical-philosophical grounds in SNEs' consultation practice.

Abstract

This mixed-methods study sought to determine the effectiveness of assessment hubs in re-integrating children at risk of school exclusion into mainstream school. First, the assessment hubs provided attendance and exclusion data for 39 children who attended the hubs (KS2, n = 11 and KS3, n = 28) between January 2020 and January 2022. Second, 23 semi-structured interviews adopting a hermeneutic phenomenological approach were conducted with caregivers of children who attended a hub. Third, three theographs depicting children's schooling were created. Quantitative data showed that 2/11 KS2 and 10/28 KS3 children successfully reintegrated into mainstream secondary school after attending an assessment hub. The remaining children were in alternative provision, either permanently or awaiting an EHC plan for specialist provision. Three themes were developed through thematic analysis of the interviews: a perfect storm; it's not rocket science; and hang on. The caregivers needed confidence in the ability of mainstream secondary schools to provide the right support at the right time in the right environment. The study found that the assessment hubs were effective in building positive relationships and supporting caregivers to understand reasons for their children's behaviours. In some cases, the assessment hubs effectively secured the most appropriate provision to meet children's needs. Most of the children needed to remain in AP permanently or await an EHC needs assessment to secure a place in specialist provision.

Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to measure teachers' knowledge about dyslexia in mainstream schools of Akmola region in Kazakhstan and to analyse if there is any relationship between teachers' knowledge of dyslexia and their training experiences. The data was collected via an online survey with the use of the Scale of Knowledge and Beliefs about Developmental Dyslexia (Soriano-Ferrer & Echegaray-Bengoa, 2014). Overall, 1435 teachers participated in the survey. The research revealed that surveyed teachers have limited knowledge about dyslexia across three layers: neurological, cognitive and behavioural. Cross-tabulation analysis showed that there is no relationship between teachers' knowledge of dyslexia and their training experiences. These findings highlight a high need for quality training on dyslexia for teachers in Kazakhstan.

Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, Volume 25, Issue 1, Page 1-2, January 2025.

Abstract

Family-Centered Early Intervention (FCEI) involves developing parents' knowledge and skills through parent coaching to support the listening and language development of their children with hearing loss. The traditional delivery of parent coaching at FCEI has been in in-person settings. With the advancement of technology, telepractice has become widespread. This has increased the diversity of service delivery, especially for children with hearing loss who face difficulty accessing a qualified interventionist. This study examined the parent coaching behaviours of an educator providing early intervention services to children with hearing loss and their parents in in-person and telepractice settings. The research is a qualitative case study. Data were collected through observation, an interview, documents and a research diary. The results indicated that implementing feedback, modelling and guided practice varied due to challenges in engaging children during telepractice sessions. In-person, these behaviours were applied within the activity involving both parent and child. In telepractice, feedback and modelling were limited to discussions with the parent, and guided practice was not demonstrated. The results suggest that, despite the educator's efforts to find solutions, structural limitations may have limited the support parents received from telepractice sessions compared to in-person sessions.