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        <title>Frontiers in Education | Special Educational Needs section | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/sections/special-educational-needs</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Special Educational Needs section in the Frontiers in Education journal | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-13T08:37:07.778+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1773246</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1773246</link>
        <title><![CDATA[University students’ perspectives on stigma in Swiss higher education]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Naiara Ozamiz-Etxebarria</author><author>Camille Thomas</author><author>Nahia Idoiaga-Mondragon</author><author>Maitane Picaza</author><author>Idoia Legorburu</author><author>Natalia Tsybuliak</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThis study explores how university students in Switzerland perceive and experience stigmatization within higher education. Drawing on intersectionality theory and social representations theory, it examines stigma not only as an individual experience but also as a structural, symbolic, and ideological phenomenon shaped by institutional norms and dominant discourses.MethodsA sample of 254 university students was recruited using a snowball sampling method. Participants completed a free association task based on the Grid Elaboration Method. The data were analyzed using lexical similarity analysis and Descending Hierarchical Classification (DHC) with IRaMuTeQ.ResultsFive main discourse classes emerged: (1) academic pressure and economic barriers, (2) structural exclusion in academic careers and mental health, (3) language, visibility, and everyday exclusion, (4) stigmatization, prejudice, and social exclusion, and (5) conceptual ambiguity and institutional responsibility. The findings show that stigma operates across multiple intersecting identity dimensions, including gender, language, socioeconomic status, race, and political beliefs.DiscussionThe study highlights how stigmatization is produced and maintained through intersecting social structures and institutional practices. It underscores the emotional, relational, and structural harm caused by stigma and calls for more nuanced, intersectional, and action-oriented strategies to foster genuine inclusion and student well-being in higher education.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1778573</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1778573</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A multi-method cognitive and observation assessment model for identifying learning needs in Indian inclusive classrooms]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Simmi Mahajan</author><author>Alexander Ma</author><author>Vinay Singh</author><author>Shantanu Virendra</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This pilot cohort study examined whether combining a computerized cognitive assessment with a teacher-administered observation tool (Project Inclusion) can support early identification of learning and behavioural needs in Indian inclusive classrooms. Twenty-three students (ages 7–15) completed both assessments. The computerized assessment, the Cognitive Skills Assessment—Academic Edition (CSA-ACAD), is a brief digital battery that evaluates core cognitive processes underlying academic learning. Spearman correlations and ranked regressions identified 33 statistically significant links between CSA-ACAD cognitive skills and teacher-reported academic or behavioural concerns, with the strongest associations involving divided attention, shifting, and estimation. Subgroup analyses further revealed distinct cognitive profiles among students with sensory sensitivities or temperament-based classroom behaviours. Findings indicate that a combined cognitive–observational model is feasible, complementary, and potentially valuable for early identification in resource-constrained educational settings.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1812514</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1812514</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Barriers to diagnosing and treating panic disorder in students with intellectual disabilities: perspectives from psychologists in Saudi schools]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ibraheem M. Alsawalem</author><author>Abdulmalik Alkhunini</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThose with Intellectual Disability (ID) often face challenges in accessing mental healthcare for panic disorder for a variety of reasons, including diagnostic overshadowing, limited communication abilities, and insufficient specialized training among School Psychologists. This necessitates exploring psychologists' perspectives to bridge the treatment gap.AimsThis study aims to explore the barriers to school-based identification and support for panic disorder among students with ID, from the perspectives of school psychologists. The goal is to provide insights that inform improvements in educational mental health practices and policy development within the school setting.Methods and procedureThe authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 licensed psychologists working in public high schools that offer special education programming for students with ID. The data obtained were then examined using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase thematic analysis using NVivo12. The analysis was guided by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory (1979) conceptualization of stigma to frame psychosocial barriers.Results and outcomesThematic analysis revealed five main themes categorized into two overarching levels: Student-Level and Diagnostic Barriers (Micro-System) and Systemic and Institutional Barriers (Exo and Macro-Systems). Findings highlight a critical “communication gap” where traditional diagnostic protocols fail to capture atypical somatic cues and “behavioral proxies” of panic in students with ID. Additionally, a significant “implementation lag” was identified between the strategic aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030 and school-level realities, exacerbated by fragmented referral pathways, cultural stigma, and the absence of standardized, visually-oriented clinical tools.Conclusions and implicationsThe study concludes that a national mandate for inclusion is insufficient without localized, visually adapted protocols and formalized interdisciplinary communication. By applying Ecological Systems Theory, the findings demonstrate that sustainable improvement in mental healthcare for students with ID requires synchronized interventions across the micro, meso, and macro-levels. This research provides a roadmap for policymakers to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring a more equitable and culturally responsive mental health system in Saudi Arabia.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1808255</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1808255</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Advancing inclusive higher education in South Africa: key enablers, constraints, and practical support strategies for students with disabilities]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Sithabile Ntombela</author><author>Mamochana Anacletta Ramatea</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionPersistent assumptions among educators often imply that all students learn in similar ways, yet this overlooks the considerable diversity within South African university classrooms. To address this diversity and reduce barriers to students’ learning and development, the South African government adopted inclusive education policy frameworks aimed at increasing access, participation, and success for all students. Although access to higher education has expanded over the past two decades, many students, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), continue to experience barriers that limit their meaningful participation. Universities in South Africa have made significant advances in promoting inclusion; however, gaps remain in the provision of quality education.MethodsGuided by the philosophy of inclusion, this narrative review synthesises existing research to identify key enablers, constraints, and practical strategies for advancing inclusive education in South African universities. Using Scopus, Web of Science, Eric, and Google Scholar searches, the review employs a thematic approach to analyze how universities in South Africa have responded to national inclusive education requirements, identify areas of progress, and highlight continuing barriers that hinder full students’ participation and success.ResultsThe findings indicated that while South African universities have made advancements toward inclusion, inconsistencies in inclusive practices persist due to uneven policy implementation, unclear accountability structures, and insufficient integration of strategies to promote inclusive curricula in universities.DiscussionsThe paper examines enabling conditions, such as strengthened disability support services and institutional commitment, that can help address the persistent barriers to inclusive education. It contributes to ongoing scholarly and policy conversations on strengthening inclusive practices and creating more equitable learning environments for students with SEND in South African universities.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1830274</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1830274</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Sustaining participation in inclusive education: a conceptual model for recognising hidden vulnerability]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Conceptual Analysis</category>
        <author>Marc Wheeler</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Educational systems typically identify additional need through observable indicators such as attainment, behaviour, and classroom engagement. However, research increasingly suggests that outward participation does not necessarily reflect secure underlying functioning, as engagement may be maintained through regulatory effort, contextual alignment, or compensatory strategies. While existing participation frameworks conceptualise engagement as relational and context-dependent, they provide limited means of analysing how participation is sustained across time and changing demands. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a Sustainability Model of Educational Participation, which reconceptualises engagement as varying in resilience and vulnerability rather than simple presence or absence. The model introduces sustainability as a central analytic dimension and conceptualises participation through five interrelated domains: effort intensity, environmental dependence, contextual consistency, transition response, and temporal durability. Drawing on inclusive education theory, ecological models of development, and research on masking, school distress, and educational transitions, the paper argues that participation may be simultaneously present and fragile. The model extends existing frameworks by integrating temporal and effort-related dimensions, enabling participation to be interpreted in relation to its stability across contexts and over time. The paper outlines potential pathways for empirical investigation, including longitudinal mixed-method designs examining participation trajectories and outcomes such as wellbeing, disengagement, and support needs, providing a basis for earlier recognition of emerging vulnerability.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1810233</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1810233</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Design principles for teacher collaboration fostering educational innovations and inclusion: insights from Lesson Study experiences]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Michel P. Basister</author><author>Jöran Petersson</author><author>Rowena D. T. Baconguis</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study outline design principles for teacher collaboration that can drive educational innovations and inclusion. Employing abductive analysis anchored on constructivist grounded theory, the study examined how the cyclical nature of Lesson Study (LS) can enhance the quality of teachers’ collaboration. The findings illustrate how a student-centered, transdisciplinary, and iterative form of collaboration fostered educational innovations and inclusion. This study further identified that context awareness, integration of support services, and distributed leadership during collaboration facilitated educational innovation and inclusive practices. The cyclical LS process empowered teachers to develop student-centered pedagogies, integrated technology, and adapted physical learning environments to ensure the success of diverse learners. The identified design principles aim to provide more targeted guidance for teacher training and professional development programs by defining the components of teacher collaboration. The findings of this study also offer practical insights for policymakers seeking to develop and support meaningful collaborative practices among teachers that can foster both inclusion and educational innovations.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1811392</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1811392</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The effect of an online professional development program on teachers’ knowledge and perceptions regarding language skills and problem behaviors of students with special needs: findings from a pilot study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ibrahim H. Diken</author><author>Uğur Onur Günden</author><author>Özlem Diken</author><author>Dilruba Kürüm Yapıcıoğlu</author><author>Tuğçe Sinoğlu Günden</author><author>Özlem Toper</author><author>Seçil Çelik Demirtaş</author><author>Gönül Onur Sezer</author><author>Gülefşan Özge Kalaycı</author><author>Cem Kalaycı</author><author>Cem Çuhadar</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe present pilot study examined the effectiveness of the DilDav Online Professional Development Program, which was designed to enhance primary school teachers' knowledge of supporting the language skills of students with special needs and managing problem behaviors in inclusive classroom settings.MethodAn embedded mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the program. The quantitative component utilized a pre-test–post-test control group quasi-experimental design. A total of 120 classroom teachers working in the central district of Eskiş ehir, Türkiye, participated in the study and were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 60) or a control group (n = 60). Quantitative data were analyzed using mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA). The qualitative component involved the collection of teacher opinions through open-ended questions and a program satisfaction survey, which were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques.ResultsQuantitative findings indicated that teachers who participated in the DilDav Professional Development Program demonstrated a statistically significant and substantial increase in their knowledge levels, whereas no significant change was observed among teachers in the control group. Qualitative findings further revealed that participating teachers perceived the program as functional, instructive, and professionally beneficial.DiscussionOverall, the results suggest that the DilDav Online Professional Development Program represents an effective, practical, and inclusive professional development model that supports teachers' professional learning and contributes to improved educational practices for students with special needs.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1752031</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1752031</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Care for children with autism spectrum disorder: mothers' awareness of the importance of nutrition and physical activity on the overall health of children with autism]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Nouf Salem Al-Marzouq</author><author>Seham Eid Al-Masoudi</author><author>Modhawi Abdulrazaq Al-Medlij</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundMothers play a crucial role in promoting the overall health of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Awareness of the importance of diet and physical activity is essential for maintaining children's well-being. However, limited studies have examined mothers' knowledge and access to supportive resources in the context of Kuwait.MethodsA descriptive study was conducted with 74 mothers of children with ASD in the Ahmadi Governorate, Kuwait. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing mothers' awareness of the importance of nutrition and physical activity, as well as the availability of related services.ResultsMothers demonstrated generally high awareness regarding the importance of physical activity and nutrition, with awareness of physical activity slightly higher than nutrition. However, moderate levels of awareness and limited availability of supportive services were observed, indicating gaps in accessible resources and guidance for mothers of children with ASD.ConclusionMothers' awareness is critical for the health and well-being of children with ASD. The study highlights the need for workshops, training programs, awareness campaigns, and the involvement of specialized trainers to improve mothers' knowledge and access to reliable support services in Kuwait.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1710708</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1710708</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Parental (dis)satisfaction with school placement to achieve inclusion: a cross-country comparison]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Veslemøy Maria Fossum Johansson</author><author>Suanne Gibson</author><author>Stuart Woodcock</author><author>Anders Dechsling</author><author>Harry Kullmann</author><author>Marte Karoline Herrebrøden</author><author>Line-Britt Ulriksen</author><author>Anders Nordahl-Hansen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThis study draws on data from a larger international project exploring parents' perceptions of the education of their children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Using responses from 1,309 parents in Australia, England, Germany, and Norway it examines parental satisfaction with mainstream and special schools, and parents' school placement preferences, including willingness to change schools. Parental satisfaction is assessed as an overall evaluation of how well the child's school placement meets their needs, without distinguishing between specific aspects of the school experience. The study also explores whether the child's level of support is associated with these perceptions. Based on a human rights perspective, we highlight parents’ perspectives and their role in the development of more inclusive education systems, without promoting one model of schooling over another.MethodsResponses from 1,309 parents across four countries were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Non-parametric tests compared satisfaction across school types, chi-squared tests assessed associations with willingness to change schools, and binary logistic regression examined whether level of support was associated with parents' willingness to change school placement.ResultsParents in England, Germany, and Norway reported higher satisfaction with special schools than with mainstream schools. No statistically significant difference was observed in Australia. Parents of children in special schools were less likely to report considering changing schools, particularly in England and Norway. Higher pupil support needs were significantly associated with parents’ willingness to change school across the combined sample. These findings suggest that parental satisfaction with their child's education and their preferences regarding school placement may be shaped by both school type and how well pupils' support needs are perceived to be met.Discussion and conclusionThe role of parents as key stakeholders in developing inclusive education systems, consistent with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is emphasised. While parents in special schools in three of the four countries reported higher satisfaction, the reasons for this remain unclear. Understanding the factors shaping parental satisfaction is essential for developing inclusive and responsive learning environments. These findings offer a starting point for future research on how education systems can better align policy commitments with families’ lived experiences.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1803209</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1803209</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Bypassing the disability: learning experiences and coping strategies of young adults with dyscalculia in the driver's licensing process]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Oren Cohen Zada</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Obtaining a driver's license is a critical milestone for independence in emerging adulthood, yet for individuals with dyscalculia, this process poses unique challenges that have been overlooked in research. This qualitative-interpretative study examines the learning experiences and compensatory mechanisms of 30 young adults (18 women and 12 men) diagnosed with dyscalculia who completed driver training. Thematic analysis revealed four central themes: (1) “Arithmetic of Danger”—experiences of disruption in spatial perception and reported cognitive collapse; (2) “Lost in Translation”—pedagogical and communicative gaps in the mediation of numerical information; (3) “Identity and Gender Management”—the impact of gendered disclosure norms on reporting styles and masking of the impairment among men; and (4) “Cognitive Bypass”—building resilience through the development of visual anchors and the use of “cognitive prostheses”. The findings offer thematic support for the hypothesis that the core of the impairment in a functional context lies in a deficit in magnitude estimation (ANS Deficit). The study proposes a model for functional rehabilitation rooted in the social model of disability and Universal Designfor Learning (UDL) principles, enabling the achievement of functional independence by bypassing the structural deficit and promoting cognitive accessibility within the licensing system.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1758593</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1758593</link>
        <title><![CDATA[How to support premature children: Estonian kindergarten teachers' perspective]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Õnne Uus</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Prematurity accounts for nearly 11% of all live births. An increasing number of immature children enter education, often with developmental delays, mainly executive function impairments leading to cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and motor dysfunction, and poor performance. To optimize the developmental outcomes of children at risk is a key strategy: teachers' knowledge about the long-term effects of immaturity. This study examined the methods teachers use to support premature children, the training received by preschool teachers in formal education, and the expectations/needs of teachers for in-service training in the field of premature children. The results distinguished the knowledge of prematurity of teachers with longer teaching experience from those with shorter experience. The methods preschool teachers use when working with premature children vary. Teachers express a desire to be more effectively prepared for possible problems related to immaturity. Further research is needed to advance the field of prematurity (immaturity) in preschool pedagogy.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1769030</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1769030</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The relationship between special education teachers’ attitudes and their competencies in using assistive technology in Jordan]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Bayan Izzeddin Aldagamseh</author><author>Shooroq Maberah</author><author>Luai Taleb Obaidat</author><author>Bowroj Qandil</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The present study aimed to investigate the extent of Jordanian special education teachers’ attitudes and competencies related to assistive technology (AT), evaluate their perceptions of its use in teaching students with disabilities in Jordan, and determine their competency level and its relationship with their attitudes. The researchers adopted a descriptive correlational approach. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale, consisting of two subscales: the first measuring special education teachers’ attitudes toward using assistive technology (14 items), and the second measuring their competencies in the field of assistive technology (18 items). It was administered to a sample of 129 special education teachers. The study's results showed that special education teachers’ attitudes toward using assistive technology in educating students with disabilities were positive, and their competency level in employing AT was high. The results revealed a statistically significant, moderately strong positive correlation between special education teachers’ attitudes towards using assistive technology and their competencies in teaching students with disabilities (r = 0.579, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the results indicated no statistically significant differences in attitudes or competencies based on the variables of (gender, educational level, and years of teaching experience). The study recommended the necessity of providing specialized and sustainable training programs for special education teachers, contributing to the enhancement of their professional competencies and the reinforcement of their positive attitudes towards employing assistive technology in educating students with disabilities.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1772824</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1772824</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Analyzing the resilience of hospitalized children and its relationship between state and trait anxiety: a hospital school approach]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ana Padillo-Andicoberry</author><author>Margarita Pacheco-Caballero</author><author>Sheila Pereira-Arenas</author><author>Carlos García-Sánchez</author>
        <description><![CDATA[PurposeThe study aimed to examine whether resilience skills upon hospital admission and its changes throughout the hospital school experience improve the state and trait anxiety of hospitalized children.DesignThe study examined data from a prospective one-group pretest–posttest study. The State and Trait Anxiety Scale (STAIC) and the School Resilience Scale (SRS) for children were assessed upon admission to and before discharge from the hospital school (HS). A visual Likert scale was used to evaluate the acceptance of curriculum-based activities. Complementary variables related to children's diseases were included.ResultsSixty children, aged 9–14 years, who attended the HS were included (36 girls and 24 boys). Upon admission to the HS, students were in the 53rd and 31st percentile for state and trait anxiety and in the 50th percentile for resilience. Before their discharge, a decrease was observed in both state and trait anxiety (P = 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively) along with a significant improvement in overall resilience (P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent factor that negatively moderated the evolution of state anxiety was previous admissions (p = 0.002). However, the time spent at the HS (p = 0.035), as well as the resilience dimensions related to children's identity (p = 0.009), their environment (p = 0.031), and external resources (p = 0.048) were factors that reduced trait anxiety during hospitalization.ConclusionsWhereas the state anxiety evolution in hospitalized children was fundamentally conditioned by previous hospitalization experiences, in terms of moderating trait anxiety, both individual resilience capacities and those provided by the socio-family environment contributed significantly to reinforcing the positive management of children's emotions throughout the Hospital School experience.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1778362</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1778362</link>
        <title><![CDATA[“I was informed the school would not search for a personal assistant for me”: insights from a qualitative study of teachers with partial sight, severe visual impairment, and blindness in post-soviet Uzbekistan]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Saodat Gulyamova</author><author>Umida Fayzieva</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This phenomenological qualitative study explores the lived experiences of mainstream school teachers with partial sight, severe visual impairment, and blindness regarding their limited access to personal assistants, the difficulties they face in finding suitable ones, and assistants` insufficient competencies. The research gathers valuable insights from a range of stakeholders, including teachers with partial sight, severe visual impairment, and blindness, as well as their school administrations, colleagues, and field experts. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select the teachers and their school personnel. In contrast, a snowball sampling technique was used to identify and include field experts, thereby enhancing the research quality and ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. In total, 20 teachers with partial sight, severe visual impairment, and blindness, along with three school principals, one deputy principal, two colleagues, and two experts, all volunteers, participated. The findings reveal that mainstream school teachers encounter significant challenges with personal assistants, including not being provided with them, considerable difficulty finding appropriate personnel, and dealing with assistants who lack basic knowledge and essential skills. These challenges arise from a variety of sources, including policy limitations, personality differences, cultural barriers, and financial constraints. As a result, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan is recommended to review and revise its existing regulations on personal assistants for mainstream school teachers with partial sight, severe visual impairment, and blindness. Ultimately, this study can assist policymakers and government officials in gaining a comprehensive understanding of issues related to blindness, spanning from interpersonal interactions to broader disability legislation.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1730974</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1730974</link>
        <title><![CDATA[CLASP Model for Inclusive Classrooms: a pilot feasibility study of collaborative lesson planning active student participation and flipped personalization]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Susan James</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Inclusive education seeks to ensure equitable access, meaningful participation, and learner dignity within mainstream classrooms. Despite strong policy commitments such as UNESCO's inclusive education framework and India's National Education Policy (NEP, 2020), classroom-level implementation for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and specific learning difficulties (SLD) remains uneven, particularly in resource-constrained school contexts. These learners are often physically included but experience limited instructional access and participation. This study introduces the CLASP Model (Collaborative Learning through Active Student Participation), operationalised through a Curriculum Accessibility Architecture (CAA) that integrates collaborative planning, flipped personalization aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and activity-based student participation. A mixed-methods pilot feasibility study was conducted over six weeks in a mainstream inclusive middle school involving two divisions of Grade 7 (N = 20 students) and six teachers. Data were collected using two questionnaires (student evaluation and teacher feedback), classroom observation notes, and teacher reflection notes. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings indicate positive self-reported student engagement and learning experiences and favourable teacher perceptions of collaboration, instructional clarity, and classroom manageability. Given the pilot scope, small sample size, and short duration, findings are interpreted as evidence of feasibility and acceptability rather than effectiveness. The study contributes a practice-grounded, scalable framework for inclusive classroom instruction and outlines directions for future empirical validation.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1765627</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1765627</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Raising awareness about people with disabilities among primary school pupils: impact of an educational intervention]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Naroa Uria-Olaizola</author><author>Garazi Yurrebaso Atutxa</author><author>Patxi León-Guereño</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionEducational inclusion remains one of the foremost challenges in schools, where fostering inclusive attitudes towards disability is essential for building fairer and more participatory environments. School-based interventions are a key strategy for raising awareness among pupils.MethodsThe impact of an inclusive educational intervention was assessed with 287 pupils in Years 4 to 6 of primary education from six schools in the Basque Country. A quasi-experimental pre–post design was employed. Attitudes toward disability were measured using a validated Basque-language scale comprising 10 items assessing cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions. Data were analysed using non-parametric statistical procedures. The programme lasted 10 hours and included five sessions addressing inclusion, sensory, physical, and cognitive disabilities, as well as rare diseases, using testimonial videos, comic-style materials, and awareness-raising games.ResultsA significant improvement was observed in the cognitive dimension and in overall awareness. However, no notable changes were found in the affective and behavioural dimensions. Girls scored higher across all dimensions of the scale.DiscussionThe intervention proved effective in improving pupils' knowledge and understanding of disability. It is recommended that similar programmes be integrated into school guidance and counselling frameworks to further enhance affective and behavioural dimensions of inclusion.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1727782</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1727782</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The effects of AI-based visual instruction on the reading comprehension of students with dyslexia in Saudi Arabia: a single-case experimental study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Omar Abdullah Alsamani</author><author>Yasir Ayed Alsamiri</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Students with learning disabilities (LD), particularly dyslexia, often face significant challenges in reading comprehension that traditional instruction may not fully address. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) offers emerging opportunities to provide personalised and visual instructional support to bridge these gaps. This study investigated the effectiveness of a GenAI-based visual instruction to support the reading comprehension skills of students with dyslexia. A single-case experimental design using a multiple-probe across participants approach was employed with three male students aged 9–11 years diagnosed with dyslexia. All three students were attending a public elementary school in Yanbu city, Saudi Arabia. The intervention utilised ChatGPT-generated visual explanations aligned with the Grade 4 Arabic language coursebook. Five-point quizzes were implemented with the students to assess their reading comprehension of paragraphs of text taken from the Arabic language coursebook. All participants started with an initial low and stable baseline (0%–10%). Mastery in the treatment phase was determined by a score of 80% or higher on the assessments in three consecutive sessions. Using this criterion, two participants showed immediate level changes and the third showed a clear accelerating trend. Maintenance probes were conducted several weeks following the conclusion of the intervention phase, during which all three students showed sustained performance at or above mastery. Visual analysis indicated a strong functional relation, minimal or no phase overlap, and durable effects. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the utility of GenAI-enhanced visual instructional tools to support reading comprehension for students with dyslexia.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1782337</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1782337</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Policy-practice decoupling in Turkish teacher education: ceremonial conformity in inclusive pedagogy]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Oguzhan Hazir</author><author>Yakup Alan</author><author>Yasin Gunlu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Purpose/IntroductionThis study examines the structural gap between policy discourse and pedagogical practice in the field of inclusive teacher education in Turkish education faculties, using institutional theory as a framework.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of a total of 396 academics from 21 different departments at 41 universities, using convenience sampling due to voluntary online participation. An adapted version of UNICEF's Inclusive Teacher Development Survey was used as the data collection tool. The three sections, consisting of 17 items, measure (a) actual teaching practices (technical core), (b) policy alignment (institutional front), and (c) theoretical stance. The decoupling mechanism was operationalized as a systematic inconsistency between high policy support and low implementation scores.ResultsOur findings indicate that the vast majority of academics (91.4%) support increased awareness of disability, but only 60.8% stated that they have prepared to address children with special needs. Of these, 30.6% reported having implemented meaningful inclusive adaptations. Nearly half (43.5%) held low professional expectations for students with special educational needs and disabilities, while 35.9% advocate for segregated special education schools rather than inclusion. Early childhood and special education departments showed significantly higher implementation than subject education departments (e.g., mathematics, science) which exhibit significantly lower implementation scores compared to basic education departments.Discussion/ConclusionThese findings empirically show that faculties maintain their legitimacy by aligning their discourse with global inclusive education norms, but their core curriculum and pedagogy remain fragmented, demonstrating “ceremonial compliance.” Institutional theory clarified how legitimacy pressures create structural differentiation between policy discourse and pedagogical practice. Based on the findings of this study, we suggest that systematic accountability must be established to prevent inclusion from remaining a symbolic discourse within institutions.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1783864</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1783864</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Perceptions and experiences of staff members working at schools for the deaf in South Africa]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Kalinka Tavares</author><author>Malebo Malope</author><author>Carmen de Kock</author><author>Karen Kengne Kamga</author><author>Ambroise Wonkam</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The cognitive milestones, academic achievement and social interactions of children with hearing loss are affected by language development, early detection and intervention, and the extent of resources provided to schools for the Deaf and to families, amongst others. The responsibility of navigating these complex educational, linguistic, and psychosocial demands rests largely with the staff working in schools for the Deaf. These professionals are required to translate policy into practice, adapt curricula, support learners with diverse needs, and engage with families and communities. Limited information exists regarding the challenges and experiences of staff who are tasked with to educate and support children at schools for the Deaf in South Africa. This descriptive qualitative survey study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of staff members working at schools for the Deaf in South Africa. Self-administered semi-structured open-ended questionnaires were completed by 144 staff members. The data was analyzed using reflective thematic analysis. The staff's perceptions and experiences are described in five themes: language and communication, knowledge and support, educational limitations, capacity building and psychological and behavioral implications. Main issues that were raised included communication barriers, lack of knowledge and support from stakeholders, limited resources, delayed diagnosis and interventions for learners, inadequate staff training and negative educational impact from psychosocial impacts. The research suggests a need to improve approaches toward capacity building, early intervention and highlights the potential supportive role of various stakeholders. These findings could be a useful guide to assist staff working in the schools for the Deaf in overcoming challenges and enhancing their teaching environment and learner outcomes.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1662194</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1662194</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Adaptive instruction in teaching and learning: evidence from junior high school teachers in the Jirapa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Libanus Susan</author><author>Ebenezer Nabiebakye</author><author>Jane-Frances Yirdong Lobnibe</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study examined adaptive instruction in the classroom from teachers’ perspectives in the Jirapa Municipality of Ghana. A concurrent mixed-methods design was adopted. Cluster and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select a sample size of 148 teachers for the study. Questionnaires and observation protocols were used to collect data. The findings revealed that diverse learners’ needs existed in the classroom. Therefore, teachers need to apply adaptive instruction in their teaching and learning processes. It was revealed that when teachers use adaptive instruction, learners achieve desirable learning outcomes, including lifelong learning through behavioral changes, enhanced learning preferences, sound receptive and retentive memory, and sustained interest in learning. Therefore, teachers should adapt their instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners.]]></description>
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