Young children’s perspectives on resolving social exclusion within inclusive classrooms

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2019.09.009
• Publication Date: 2019-10-03T11:38:47Z
• Authors: Renske R. de Leeuw; Anke A. de Boer; Else J. Beckmann; Job van Exel; Alexander E.M.G. ...
• Keywords: Mainstream; Social Exclusion; Victimisation; At-risk students

Not all children benefit from the opportunities of inclusive education, especially children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). This article presents the findings of a Q study exploring the perspectives of children with or at risk of SEBD, who experience difficulties with their social participation within the mainstream classroom. Forty-five children, aged 6–8 years, sorted 15 statements outlining approaches for resolving social exclusion and victimisation situations. Four shared perspectives were identified per situation using by-person factor analysis. These perspectives differed primarily with respect to the actors held responsible for resolving the situation. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate for addressing the social needs of children with or at risk of SEBD within the inclusive classroom.