Se’i tatou ‘aleaga: Samoan educators’ insights into inclusive education development

Abstract

This article discusses Samoan educators’ perceptions about the inclusion of children with special needs in education today. It reports on an investigation into the development of education for people with disabilities. The study involved teacher trainees and educators in government, missions and private schools around the country examining their perceptions and discussing the pedagogies they use to successfully include children with special needs in mainstream schools. The research study aimed to find out what assistance is required to ensure children with special needs are included successfully in mainstream schools. This information is paramount to the work done with the training of teachers in this area. Perceptions and ideas from this study will help determine the way forward in the development of inclusive education in Samoa.