In, out or somewhere in between? Disabled students' and teacher aides' experiences of school

Abstract

Disabled students' entry to the (compulsory) education system in New Zealand is often conditional upon the presence of untrained teacher aides, who are frequently regarded as the ‘solution to inclusion’. This widespread practice has occurred within a research and policy void, despite the growing body of international research literature that contests its efficacy and equity. Drawing from the findings of a qualitative study, the purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the school experiences of disabled students, from their and teacher aides' perspectives. Interpreted within a framework of current disability, social justice and sociology of childhood theorising, the findings are presented as a continuum of educational contexts, in which students (and aides) were (1) fully included in all aspects of school, (2) partly included/assimilated in aspects of school life, and (3) excluded from regular school. The findings are consistent with those of international research in illuminating the pivotal, complex and ambiguous role that aides play in both helping and hindering disabled students' educational presence, participation and achievement. The paper concludes with an outline of changes that may be instrumental in bringing about a more inclusive education system for all students.

Keywords:

• disabled students' experiences
• teacher aides
• inclusive education
• exclusion
• qualitative

Acknowledgements

It was a privilege to work with the participants in this research project – heartfelt thanks to the students and teacher aides who so generously shared their experiences with me. Thanks too, to Associate Professor Lisette Burrows for giving so kindly her time, energy and wisdom in reviewing this paper.