Barriers To Inclusion: Special Education In The United States And Germany Paperback

Justin J. W. Powell

Barriers to Inclusion offers a comparative and historical account of the rise of special education over the twentieth century in the United States and Germany. This institutional analysis demonstrates how categorical boundaries, professional groups, social movements, and education and social policies shaped the schooling of children and youth with disabilities. It traces the evolution of special education classification, explores growing special education organizations, and examines students' learning opportunities and educational attainments. Highlighting cross-national differences over time, the author also investigates demographic and geographic variability within the federal democracies, especially in segregation and inclusion rates of disabled and disadvantaged children. Germany's elaborate system of segregated special school types contrasts with diverse American special education classrooms mainly within regular schools. Joining historical case studies with empirical indicators, this book reveals persistent barriers to school integration as well as factors that facilitate inclusive education reform in both societies.

9781594512094

English

Routledge

25 Aug 2016

344

This is a comparative historical analysis of the development of special education systems in Germany and the United States over the course of the 20th century. It examines cross-national differences in special education institutions and classifications and addresses demographic and geographic variability within each country, especially in segregation and inclusion rates of disabled and disadvantaged children. --Eithne O'Leyne, June 2011 Reference and Research Book News "This dynamic and multifaceted study is well written and carefully argued. Powell develops his argument and then supports it through detailed examinations of the history of special education in each country." --Comparative Education Review, February 2012