At odds with inclusive education

Abstract

This article presents the author's views, experiences and observations as well as ideas obtained from reviews of literature concerning inclusive education. The author questions the usefulness, practicability and acceptability of inclusive education, especially in developing countries where there are teacher-pupil ratios and acute shortages of teaching/leaning materials. If our aim is to empower children so that they become independent and full participants in society, then we need special and separate schooling so that these children get the most relevant and appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities that will enable them to compete meaningfully with anyone else in the world of work. To the author, inclusive education is a step backwards; it is an attempt to undermine our achievements in special needs education.