Current opinions of Czech teachers about the inclusive form of education

Abstract

The current curriculum for elementary education in the Czech Republic allows inclusion of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream schools. In spite of the fact that today the right of all persons to education is generally accepted, the inclusive form of education frequently raises various doubts in both the lay and professional community. Various concerns stem from inaccurate ideas of this form of education and insufficient information, particularly in relation to successful delivery of inclusion. In some countries, such as in Great Britain or Finland, the experience with the inclusive form of education is much longer and is mostly positive, in our country however, the concept of inclusion is gaining ground relatively slowly. The quality of educating both the healthy population and pupils with special educational needs is influenced by a number of factors. One of the most significant roles in the educational process is taken by the educator. The educator’s role is irreplaceable and is decisive for the degree of success of the development of a child personality. All changes in the educational approaches are related not only to a well thought-out theoretical background but particularly to comprehensive readiness of the principal educational actors, i.e. the teachers. To accomplish this task however, the highest possible amount of information is required. To acquire this information was one of the aims of a research study carried out in the previous year 2014. Keywords: Czech Republic; inclusive form; education

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