Comparison of Achievement Degree of Inclusive Education by School Size in Yaeyama Area

; Using Inclusive Education Assessment Tool (IEAT) and Case Examples

Abstract

In Japan, the declining birthrate and aging population is serious, and the consolidation and elimination of small-scale schools are proceeding in depopulated area. As inclusive education is being promoted, we believe that clarifying the superiority of inclusive education at small-scale schools will maximize the merits of small-scale schools. In this study, we compared Inclusive Education Assessment of small-scale schools with appropriate-scale schools on points of view of amount and quality. From January to March 2016, we conducted a questionnaire survey to 17 special support education coordinators working at elementary and junior high schools in the Yaeyama area. Small-scale school’s score was higher than appropriate-scale schools on “Security of rights” and “Improvement of curriculum”. With respect to the average point comparison of each item, the small-scale schools for all items were comparable or higher than that for the appropriate-scale schools. There were qualitative differences in practice between small-scale schools and appropriate-scale schools on grounds of practical cases. We clarified Inclusive Education Assessment of small scale schools was better than appropriate scale schools. Additionally, we clarified high level educational activity was practiced in small-scale schools. We hope that this study will be an opportunity to maximize the merit of small-scale schools all around the country.