Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy (JAEP)
Volume-2 | Issue-05 | 422-432
Original Research Article
Challenges Affecting Effective Implementation of Inclusive Education Policy in Public Primary Schools in Kitale Township, Kenya
Matumbei Judith Nandako, MbuthiaNgunjiri, Margaret Ngugi
Published : Sept. 30, 2018
Abstract
Education is a key component of a country’s developmental process.
Inclusive education is a kind of education wherein all students including special needs
(SN) learners attend and are welcomed by their neighborhood schools in age–
appropriate regular classes and are supported to learn to contribute and participate in all
aspects of life at school. Neighborhood public schools being at the heart of our
communities are essential for quality inclusive education system. Special Needs
learners who can benefit from public schools should not be denied the chance to access
education nor be taken to special schools. However, inclusive education has been
experiencing challenges which may undermine the program’s objectives if not well
addressed. The extent to which these challenges could be impacting negatively on
inclusive education policy in Kitale Township is however not clear. This is the gap to
be filled. The Social Learning Theory guided the study. The study adopted descriptive
research design. Questionnaires, interview schedules, and observation checklists were
employed in data collection. The target population was 36 head teachers in the public
primary schools in the township and 50 SN teachers. The sample size was 76
respondents selected using purposive and simple random sampling. Validity of data
collection tools was determined through pilot study and assistance from supervisors.
Reliability was tested using the test - retest method and the obtained value was .92.
Hypotheses were tested using regression analysis at .05 level of significance. The study
found that curriculum factors, teacher attitude, and social interaction had a significant
influence on effective implementation of inclusive education policy. The study,
therefore recommends more teachers to be employed to handle the large classes, the
TSC to consider teachers handling SN learners in inclusive settings for special duty
allowances being given to their counterparts in special schools and the curriculum to be
evaluated to enhance effective implementation of inclusive education. In addition,
review should be done on the part of funding to enable the acquisition of physical
facilities and learning materials in public primary schools. Finally, parents, local
communities and other education stakeholders should be educated on their roles in the
implementation of inclusive education.