El rol de los centros de educación especial en Cataluña: perspectivas de futuro

The most appropriate form of education for students with disabilities and the role special schools should play is a current issue on our country’s agenda and in neighbouring countries’ agendas. Working on inclusive education means to explain and define special schools’ role and functions. Therefore, the current research aims to explore actual special schools practices according to the support provided to mainstream schools in Catalonia, to identify the role that special schools can develop within an inclusive framework and, to make
improvement proposals. To carry out the study, an adaptation of “The Future Role of Special Schools” questionnaire was sent to all special schools in Catalonia. Results from 48 questionnaires received suggest that special schools still maintain a high level of students as well as a close relationship with mainstream schools in the area. Likewise, professionals express to own
a broad set of strengths. One of most important challenges special schools face is their changing role. Conclusions of the study focus on priorities and development and improvement proposals for the future