With 20% of pupils on Special Needs – is ‘special needs’ now in ‘special measures’?

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With 20% of pupils on Special Needs – is ‘special needs’ now in ‘special measures’?

Example education dissertation topic 13:

With 20% of pupils on Special Needs – is ‘special needs’ now in ‘special measures’?

One in five pupils is, as of May 2012, now regarded as having some form of ‘special needs’. The number of pupils with individual leaning plans has however not grown as significantly over the last ten years. Questioning the underlying assumptions of special needs provision, this dissertation evaluates whether a change of approach is now needed in the recording and assessment of pupils ‘special needs’. In so doing, it argues that resources need to be focused more on those with the most challenging learning difficulties whilst others need to be encouraged to take greater responsibility for their own learning progression: through the re-introduction of more traditional responses to perceived difficulties in grasping curriculum matters.

Suggested initial topic reading:

  • Dyson, A. and Gallannaugh, F. (2008) ‘Disproportionality in special needs education in England’, Journal of Special Education, Vol. 42(1), pp. 36-46.
  • Warnock, M. and Norwich, B. (2010) Special educational needs: A new look. London: Continuum.