A Content Analysis of State Education Agencies' Policies/Position Statements on Inclusion

Abstract

In keeping with the inclusive reform movement, several state education departments have adopted policies/position statements on inclusion. Despite the existence of these policies/ position statements, no studies have been found that have examined their content and characteristics. In light of the potential impact of state education agencies' policies/position statements on inclusive education practices in schools, this study was designed to examine their content and characteristics. Seventeen state education agencies were found to have adopted official policies/position statements on inclusion. Results of the investigation revealed that the state education agencies' policies/position statements on inclusion address a number of factors, including considerations concerning the meaning of the term inclusion, the philosophy of inclusion, laws and court decisions pertaining to inclusion, instructional issues, assessment issues, personnel issues, and placement issues. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.