On the pulse of change: the new beat of special education in higher education

Article

Keeffe, Mary and De George-Walker, Linda. 2010. "On the pulse of change: the new beat of special education in higher education." Australasian Journal of Special Education. 34 (2), pp. 99-108. https://doi.org/10.1375/ajse.34.2.99
Article Title

On the pulse of change: the new beat of special education in higher education

ERA Journal ID20689
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsKeeffe, Mary (Author) and De George-Walker, Linda (Author)
Journal TitleAustralasian Journal of Special Education
Journal Citation34 (2), pp. 99-108
Number of Pages10
Year2010
Place of PublicationBrisbane, Australia
ISSN1030-0112
1833-6914
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1375/ajse.34.2.99
Web Address (URL)http://www.asepa.org.au/PDF/Call%20for%20papers.pdf
Abstract

The roles and responsibilities of special educators in both special and regular school settings are changing rapidly. More than two decades ago the move towards more inclusive
practices disrupted the traditional, niche separatism of special educators to the extent that they are now an integral part of the regular school teaching staff. Today the broad agenda to facilitate access and participation for all students in education, not just students with
disabilities, influences the roles and responsibilities of special educators.
This article briefly identifies some of the generic pulses that are moving the special education profession from a focus on low incidence disabilities towards a more
comprehensive approach to inclusion, school responsiveness and individualised learning pathways. From the foundation of inclusive practice, this paper will describe how a
qualitative study was used to understand the changing roles and responsibilities of special educators. A case study analysis of 17 schools formed the basis of the investigation. Principals, lead teachers in special education and special education teachers were asked to identify trends and priorities in special education and also to identify rewards and challenges in their jobs.
Further cross referencing with teacher and special educator standards, a focus group, a stakeholder group and research in the field increased the opportunity for academics and
special educators to critically reflect on the emerging demands placed on special educators and the attributes that are needed to be professionally effective.

Keywordsspecial education; accreditation; diversity; school responsiveness; student autonomy
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390201. Education policy
390102. Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development
390411. Special education and disability
Public Notes

This publication is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for the purposes of study, research, or review, but is subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source.

Byline AffiliationsLa Trobe University
Faculty of Education
EventAASE/ASEPA 2010 National Conference: At the Heart of the Matter: School and Classroom Leadership
Event Details
AASE/ASEPA 2010 National Conference: At the Heart of the Matter: School and Classroom Leadership
Event Date
17 to end of 18 Jun 2010
Event Location
Darwin, Australia
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