Integration versus segretation : the case of Slovenia

Abstract

In 1996 new school legislation outlining the education strategies in Slovenia for the future, including education of children with special needs, was passed in Parliament. Contrary to the former legislation that advocated segregation of children with special needs, the new one promotes integration in mainstream classes provided that this is in their best interest. This has raised many, not only practical, but also philosophical and political questions which I intend to discuss in my paper. To mention some of them: Who are the children with special educational needs? Which discourse can we use to discuss children with special needs? Who are the children with special needs that can be integrated in mainstream classes and what do we have to do to realise not only locational but also social and educational integration? How do we have to redesign teacher training courses to prepare class teachers and special teachers to work together successfully?