The following texts explore some of the tensions and dilemmas that can occur in schools as teachers aim to respond to the diversity of learners in their classes in ways that support the learning of all, without marginalising or stigmatising some because of their identified special needs or disabilities.
Thomas, G. and Loxley, A. (2007) Deconstructing Special Education and Constructing Inclusion, Buckingham: Open University Press. (Reader 15.3)
Norwich, B. (2013) Addressing Tensions and Dilemmas in Inclusive Education: Living with Uncertainty. London: Routledge.
Booth, T., Nes, K. and Stromstad, M. (2003) The Challenge of Inclusion, London: RoutledgeFalmer.
Inclusive education is a complex concept, used differently by different people in different contexts. The following texts provide an overview of the main theoretical influences on thinking about inclusive education:
Clough, P. & Corbett, J. (2000) Theories of Inclusive Education: A Student’s Guide, Paul Chapman Publishing.
Topping, K. and Maloney, S. (2004) The RoutledgeFalmer Reader in Inclusive Education, London: RoutledgeFalmer.
Nutbrown, C. and Clough, P. (2006) Inclusion in the Early Years, London: Paul Chapman Publishing.
Mitchell, D., (2005) (ed.) Contextualizing Inclusive Education: Evaluating Old and New International Perspectives, London: Routledge.
Hick, P., Kershner, R. & Farrell, P. (Eds.) (2008) Psychology for Inclusive Education: New Directions in Theory and Practice, Abingdon: Routledge. (see Reading 15.6)
Slee, R. (2011) The Irregular School: Exclusion, Schooling and Inclusive Education. London: Routledge.
Parsons, C. (2009) Strategic Alternatives to Exclusion From School, London: IOE Press.
Allan, J. (2008) Rethinking Inclusive Education: The Philosophers of Difference in Practice, New York: Springer.
For principled accounts of developing inclusion in primary and secondary classrooms and schools, see:
Black Hawkins, K., Florian, L. & Rouse, M. (2007) Achievement and Inclusion in Schools, London: Routledge.
Ainscow, M., Booth, T. and Dyson, A. (2005) Improving Schools, Developing Inclusion, London: Routledge.
Sage, R. (2007) Inclusion in Schools. Making a Difference, London: Network Continuum Education.
An insightful practical account of developing practices to promote equal opportunities in primary school classrooms is:
Griffiths, M. and Davies, C. (1995) In Fairness to Children, London: David Fulton.
The Centre for Inclusive Education has a campaigning research and practitioner focused web site:
The following texts offer further insights into different ways in which practices associated with inclusive education can be developed:
Passey, D. (2013) Inclusive Technology Enhanced Learning: Overcoming Cognitive, Physical, Emotional, and Geographic Challenges, Abingdon: Routledge.
Dyson, D. A., Todd, L. and Cummings, C. (2011) Beyond the School Gates: Can Full Service and Extended Schools Overcome Disadvantage?. Abingdon: Routledge.
Howes, A. J., Davies, S. M. B. and Fox, S. (2009) Improving the Context for Inclusion: Personalising Teacher Development Through Collaborative Action Research, Abingdon: Routledge.
Richardson, N. and Gallagher, T. (2011) Education for Diversity and Mutual Understanding - the Experience of Northern Ireland, Bern: Verlag Peter Lang.
Archer, L. (2010) Urban Youth and Schooling: the Experiences and Identities of Educationally 'at Risk' Young People, London: Routledge.
Wearmouth, J. (2009) Inclusion Through Participation in Communities of Practice in Schools, Auckland: Dunmore Publishing.
