Addressing Tensions and Dilemmas in Inclusive Education

This essential guide tackles the complex realities of implementing inclusive education, moving beyond idealistic rhetoric to examine the genuine tensions educators face daily. Norwich's research-driven approach dissects the competing perspectives that shape special education policy and classroom practice, acknowledging that true inclusion involves navigating difficult trade-offs rather than applying simple solutions. The book provides a critical framework for understanding how different educational philosophies—from segregation to full inclusion—create practical dilemmas for teachers, administrators, and policymakers. Through careful analysis of existing attitudes toward students with learning difficulties and disabilities, it reveals why inclusion remains one of education's most challenging aspirations.

What distinguishes this work is its refusal to offer easy answers, instead equipping educators with the conceptual tools to make informed decisions in complex situations. Norwich demonstrates how the appeal of inclusion as a singular position often clashes with the diverse needs of students and the practical constraints of school systems. The book will resonate most with experienced educators, special education coordinators, and graduate students who have encountered the gap between inclusion theory and classroom reality. By framing these challenges as inherent tensions rather than failures, it provides both validation and practical wisdom for professionals committed to creating genuinely inclusive learning environments.