THE REFLECTIONS OF EDUCATION POLICY: GENERAL AND SPECIAL EDUCATION

Dr. Gonul Akcamete
Ankara University
Husna Sema Buyukkarakaya
Bilge Special Education and Rehabilitation Center
Hatice Bayrakli
Eastern Mediterranean University
Emel Sardohan Yildirim
Ankara University

Abstract

Medical model which was dominant during the first part of 20th century yielded to social model with the impact of human rights movement in 1960’s. Thus, education was discussed as a human right everybody should benefit under equal opportunities with no discrimination. This situation had reflections on education policy; with the idea of right to education of all individuals under the risk of being out of school, new trends in general and special education policy appeared in the world and Turkey. This study aims to examine general and special education policy in the world and Turkey in terms of new trends. For this purpose, with the respect of historical context the constitution and the implementation of general and special education policies in the world and Turkey, and the policies’ reciprocal effects on each other were investigated. Furthermore, the pathway going to inclusion was examined in the light of laws in the USA and Europe, and international conventions. In addition to the course of special education policies in the world, Turkey’s special education policy was investigated in accordance with the laws and implications. Moreover, current problems about policy were discussed and suggestions were made to eliminate these problems. It was concluded that the scope and subjects of special education in the world has changed, education policies and regulations based on inclusion of all students, not just ones with special needs, are being constituted. In the example of Turkey, it can be said that special education is still a matter of disability.

Keywords

General and special education, Education policy, Medical model, Social model, New trends

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