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Special Educational Needs: History
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Special educational needs (SEN) refers to learning difficulties or disabilities that require educational provision different from, or additional to, that generally provided for learners of the same age in mainstream settings [1][2][3][4][5]. The term covers a broad range of needs, including cognitive/learning, communication and interaction, social-emotional-mental health, and sensory or physical needs, with support tailored to individual profiles and context [2][3][5]. SEN is characterized by early identification, multidisciplinary assessment, individualized planning, reasonable adjustments, and ongoing review of progress and participation. In policy and research, SEN denotes an educational support framework focused on access, participation, and achievement under equitable conditions, rather than a fixed medical label detached from learning environment and instructional response [1][2][3][4].

  • special educational needs
  • SEND
  • inclusive education
  • individualized support
  • reasonable adjustments

References

  1. UK Department for Education; Department of Health. Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 Years; DfE/DoH: London, 2015. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25.
  2. Brahm Norwich; Dilemmas of difference, inclusion and disability: international perspectives on placement. Eur. J. Spéc. Needs Educ. 2008, 23, 287-304, 10.1080/08856250802387166.
  3. Lani Florian; Kristine Black‐Hawkins; Exploring inclusive pedagogy. Br. Educ. Res. J. 2011, 37, 813-828, 10.1080/01411926.2010.501096.
  4. Geoff Lindsay; Educational psychology and the effectiveness of inclusive education/mainstreaming. Br. J. Educ. Psychol. 2007, 77, 1-24, 10.1348/000709906x156881.
  5. Mel Ainscow; Developing inclusive education systems: what are the levers for change?. J. Educ. Chang. 2005, 6, 109-124, 10.1007/s10833-005-1298-4.
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