Teachers Attitudes Towards Inclusive Education: A Mixed Method Study

Teachers‘ attitudes play a key role to implement quality education for all. Hence, in the current study teachers‘ attitudes towards inclusive education (IE) and factors affecting them in the context of Turkey were explored with a mixed method. As a result, it was found out that teachers in Turkey have a narrow conceptualization of inclusive education and mixed attitudes towards it. Furthermore, type and severity of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was proved to be a significant predictor of embracing IE. Lack of knowledge, training and practical experience were identified as the most influential barriers against IE which also shape and inform teachers‘ attitudes. The results indicate a need for a change at a societal level, professional teacher development for in-service as well as pre-service teachers, well- established partnership between stakeholders so that teachers can develop more positive attitudes and implement inclusive practices in their teaching contexts.