Creating inclusive schools : guidelines for the implementation of the National Curriculum policy on inclusive education

Abstract

This book was produced by the Maltese National Curriculum (NMC) Focus Group for Inclusive Education (2001-03). It breaks new ground by addressing the issue of the meaning of inclusive education and providing a fresh approach about how to go about implementing an educational policy. The book is based in the first place on the NMC policy on inclusive education, while also closely following the corresponding principles, approach and materials from Booth and Ainscow (2002), Index for inclusion: Developing learning and participation in schools. Part I consists mainly of citations on inclusive education from the Malta Ministry of Education document (1999), Creating the Future Together: National Minimum Curriculum. These are framed within the process for developing more inclusive school cultures, policies and practices proposed by Booth and Ainscow. It contains suggestions on how to engage the school in an inclusive education process and how to use the indicators for inclusion as a tool for self-evaluation and action planning for the development of more inclusive schools. Part II and the Appendix consist of a slightly adapted version of the Indicators for inclusion in Booth and Ainscow.