HED4810
Assignment 1 2025
Unique #:647801
Due Date: 7 May 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1: DEFINING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION
Inclusive education is more than just a teaching method—it is a commitment to
equity, dignity, and the recognition of all learners as valuable contributors to
society. In South Africa, inclusive education serves as a tool to give effect to the
human rights guaranteed in the Constitution and is considered a cornerstone in
advancing social justice through education. It is enshrined in foundational policies
such as White Paper 6 (2001), the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa (1996), and the Salamanca Statement (1994). Despite
strong policy frameworks, schools often face challenges in transforming these
ideals into classroom realities. This article defines inclusive education from both
policy and practice perspectives and explores what schools and teachers need to
do to implement these policies effectively.
DEFINING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: POLICY AND PRACTICE
An original working definition of inclusive education must reflect both its legal and
practical dimensions.
Policy perspective
From a policy perspective, inclusive education is the structured commitment by
the state to ensure that all learners, regardless of their physical, intellectual,
social, emotional, or linguistic differences, are provided with equitable learning
opportunities in mainstream education systems. This vision is rooted in Chapter 2
of the Constitution (1996), which guarantees the right to basic education for
everyone and prohibits discrimination on any grounds, including disability
(Constitution Republic of South Africa, 1996). The policy mandate is further
reinforced by White Paper 6 (Department of Education, 2001), which defines
inclusive education as a process of recognising and responding to the diverse
needs of all learners and removing barriers to learning and development.
Practice perspective
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 2025
Unique #:647801
Due Date: 7 May 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1: DEFINING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION
Inclusive education is more than just a teaching method—it is a commitment to
equity, dignity, and the recognition of all learners as valuable contributors to
society. In South Africa, inclusive education serves as a tool to give effect to the
human rights guaranteed in the Constitution and is considered a cornerstone in
advancing social justice through education. It is enshrined in foundational policies
such as White Paper 6 (2001), the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa (1996), and the Salamanca Statement (1994). Despite
strong policy frameworks, schools often face challenges in transforming these
ideals into classroom realities. This article defines inclusive education from both
policy and practice perspectives and explores what schools and teachers need to
do to implement these policies effectively.
DEFINING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: POLICY AND PRACTICE
An original working definition of inclusive education must reflect both its legal and
practical dimensions.
Policy perspective
From a policy perspective, inclusive education is the structured commitment by
the state to ensure that all learners, regardless of their physical, intellectual,
social, emotional, or linguistic differences, are provided with equitable learning
opportunities in mainstream education systems. This vision is rooted in Chapter 2
of the Constitution (1996), which guarantees the right to basic education for
everyone and prohibits discrimination on any grounds, including disability
(Constitution Republic of South Africa, 1996). The policy mandate is further
reinforced by White Paper 6 (Department of Education, 2001), which defines
inclusive education as a process of recognising and responding to the diverse
needs of all learners and removing barriers to learning and development.
Practice perspective
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
