Inclusive Education in Poland: Policies, Practices, and Perspectives

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the special education system of education in Poland since the transformation of the political system in the late 1980s. The move from segregated settings toward more integrated settings for students with low-incidence disabilities is described along with the new structure of special education identification and classroom settings. Current strategies and support for students with high-incidence disabilities in Poland who are placed in general education and special education are discussed. Ideas on how to improve the existing system are outlined and solutions are presented. Overall, the implementation of educational reforms brought about positive changes in educational settings for most students identified with special needs in Poland. Due to this emphasis on inclusion, more students with high-incidence disabilities have the chance to succeed in integrated schools with adequate support.

Citation

Ober, K.M., Twardowski, A. and Pierson, M.R. (2015), "Inclusive Education in Poland: Policies, Practices, and Perspectives", Including Learners with Low-Incidence Disabilities (International Perspectives on Inclusive Education, Vol. 5), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 315-339. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-363620140000005024