Why do students with disability go to ‘special schools' when research tells us they do better in the mainstream system?
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Loading... - Claire James
- 09 Jun 2022
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This week, the disability royal commission is looking at the experiences of children and young people with disability in different schools. This includes mainstream schools as well as so-called “special schools”.
An estimated 10% of school students (aged 5–18) have a disability, although this number is much higher in some states. Most of these students (89%) attend mainstream schools, but an increasing number of students with disability and their families are choosing special schools.
Research suggests children fare better in inclusive mainstream settings. So why are more students being enrolled in special schools, and what can we do about it?
Every child has a right to education
Internationally, it is recognised that every child has the right to education. The Convention of the Rights of People with Disability, says children with disabilities should not be excluded from free and compulsory education on the basis of disability.
As a result, education systems need to think about what inclusion means, and how to achieve it. Read More...
