A STUDY OF ATTITUDE OF SCHOOL TEACHERS TOWARDS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF EDUCATION © INVESTIGATOR MOHINDER SINGH M.Ed STUDENT ROLL NO. 10-6CE-12 GOVT. COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CANAL ROAD, JAMMU-180006 SESSION - 2012-13SUMMARY ‘Supervisor Investigator - Rajinder Kour Mohinder Singh Asstt. Professor M.Ed. Student ‘TOPIC: A STUDY OF ATTITUDE OF SCHOOL TEACHERS TOWARDS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION A. INTRODUCTION "Children that learn together, Learn to Live together". The country has witnessed a phenomenal expansion of educational opportunities in the post independence period. The disabled children however have not been benefited substantially from this growth in educational facilities. The Government of India therefore has brought the education of this group of children for special attention to achieve the goal of education for all. The objective is to integrate handicapped with the general community at all level as equal partners, to prepare them for normal growth and to enable them to face life with courage and confidence. B. MEANING OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION Inclusive education means that all students in a school, regardless of their strength and weaknesses in any area, become a Part of the school community. They are included in the feeling of belongingness among other students, teachers and support staff. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its 1997 amendments make it clear that schools have a duty to educate children with disabilities in general education classrooms. Inclusive schools help the development of communities where people are ‘equally valued with the same opportunities for participation. 35In other words we can say that inclusive education means all learners, young le with or without disabilities being able to lean together in ordinary pre-school isions, school and community with appropriate network of support service. In lusive education the needs of all learners are addressed so that good education can be Wided to all. However since the leamers with disabilities form one of the largest group is still out of the fold of general education, the target, therefore on which this scheme focus would be learners with disabilities. The term learners with disabilities cover impairments (Blind & low vision) speech and hearing impairments, locomotor ilities, neuromuscioskeltal, neurodevelopmental disorders including cerebral palsy, ism, mental retardation multiple disability and learning disability. MEANING OF ATTITUDE An attitude is defined as degree of positive and negative effect associated with psychological aspect and the way in which person feels about psychological aspect. is an expression of inner feelings and belief that reflects whether a person is favourably unfavourably predisposed to some phenomenon. Attitude is the prime mover of thought and action. It is a mental and neural state readiness organized through experiences, exerting a directive or dynamic influence n individuals response to all objects and situation with which it is related. NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY Since children with their disability or learning difficulty have a great role to play society after school, an early start in play grounds or nursery school, followed by ation in ordinary school and colleges, is the best preparation for an integrated life 36and since these children have a equal right to the membership of the same groups as everybody else. A segregated education restricts that right and limits opportunities for fulfillment therefore people with disabilities or learning difficulties do not need to be separated or protected. This is the pathetic situation of student that has motivated this researcher to take up this problem for present research work, she also feels that only through the inclusive education, we can expect better atmosphere at schools, which are very essential for better and happier life, a better society and a developed nation. Furthermore the researcher wanted to see whether the teachers belonging to primary, middle and secondary level are prepared to accept such children in their classroom. iE. STATEMENT OF THE STUDY A STUDY OF THE ATTITUDE OF SCHOOL TEACHERS TOWARDS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION. . OBJECTIVES OF THE' STUDY The following objectives shall be realized through the study : To find out whether there are significant differences in the attitude of school teachers i.e. Male and Female towards inclusive education. To find out whether there are significant differences in the attitude of school teachers belonging to different institutions (Govt. and Private) towards inclusive education. 37To find out differences in interaction between sex (Male and Female) and institutions (Govt. and Private) when attitude scores were taken as dependent variable. To find out differences in the direction of attitude of male and female teachers toward inclusive education. To suggest educational implications based on the findings of the study. HYPOTHESES OF THE STUDY There will be no significant difference in the attitude of school teachers i.e. Male and Female towards inclusive education. There will be no significant difference in the attitude of school teachers belonging to different school (Govt. and Private) towards inclusive education. There will be no significant difference in the attitude of teachers towards inclusive education under joint influence of sex(Male and Female) and school (Govt. and Private). There will be no significant difference in the direction of attitude of male and female teachers towards inclusive education.