ENHANCING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF TRAINING PROGRAMS ON TEACHER PERCEPTIONS AND SCHOOL VALUES
ENHANCING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF TRAINING PROGRAMS ON TEACHER PERCEPTIONS AND SCHOOL VALUES

Summary/Abstract: Inclusive education promotes equitable learning for all students (Ainscow et al., 2006; UNESCO, 2009), transitioning from segregated to integrated systems guided by international policies. Effective teacher training is crucial, and training programs enhance educators’ skills and attitudes toward inclusion, though ongoing support is needed for sustained impact (Burke & Sutherland, 2004). This shift reflects a broader change in school values, prioritizing diversity, equity, and social justice. Schools with inclusive cultures emphasize respect and collaboration, vital for successful implementation (Avramidis & Norwich, 2002; Forlin et al., 2008). Training programs help embed these values into school practices, fostering a collective commitment to inclusion. Sustainable positive outcomes depend on continuous professional development and the integration of inclusive principles into everyday practices (Sharma, 2018). This study explores the impact of a training program focused on promoting inclusive education values among educators. The training was provided within the Erasmus project “Co-Creating inclusive school communities” (Project no. 2021-1-LI01-KA220-SCH-000027667). The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of this initiative in enhancing teachers’ understanding and commitment to inclusion. To achieve this, interviews were conducted with participating educators to gather insights into their experiences and learning outcomes following the training. The interviews aimed to identify key takeaways, including new knowledge and perspectives gained, particularly concerning the integration of children from diverse backgrounds within the school environment. Our findings indicate that participants not only acquired new insights into inclusive practices but also developed a deeper appreciation for the intrinsic value of integrating all students into the school community. This study underscores the importance of continuous professional development in fostering inclusive educational environments and reflects on the changing values within schools that support this ideal.

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