From special to inclusive education in Macau (SAR)

Abstract

The education for learners with special education needs (SEN) in Macau (SAR), China, has gradually transitioned over the past 30 years from a completely segregated approach to a more inclusive one. Following a review of the development of special education and the transition towards inclusion in Macau, consideration is given to the enactment of inclusive education in mainstream schools. Interviews with the leaders in a primary and secondary mainstream government school in Macau outline the ways in which learners with SEN are included in mainstream schools. The discussion focuses on a range of issues regarding the inclusion movement in Macau, including management, schooling and the inclusive model that is applied.

Keywords:

• inclusive education
• special education
• education policy
• disability

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to acknowledge the generous time given by the principals and vice‐principals in the two schools to enable this review to be undertaken.