Contemporary Concepts of Inclusive Education in North American and Ukrainian Studies

Abstract

Nowadays in Ukraine there is a dynamic progress in the dissemination of inclusive education. It determines the need to study and adapt the experience of other countries, taking into account the specifics of domestic realities. Of special interest are the countries of North America, in particular Canada and the United States, which have a fairly long history of inclusive education. The comparative analysis will enable us to identify the possibility of applying the most effective strategies of inclusion in the educational system of Ukraine Nowadays, in Ukraine, there is a certain dynamic progression of inclusive distribution. It is this that actualizes the need to study and use the experience of other countries, taking into account the specifics of domestic realities. Amid existence of a number of concepts of inclusive education in the world of educational space different approaches are distinguished in the methodological framework. Comparing the essential understanding of these approaches in North American and Ukrainian educational systems, there is unanimity of views in common positions. However, there are certain differences, particularly in recognizing the SEN position of the child as subject and object in the system: Western inclusive education system is fully regulated by law, while in Ukraine there is a gradual overcoming of the philanthropic vestiges through the expansion and improvement of the legal framework with the underlying international instruments. Awareness of the position of individual approach as the cornerstone of an inclusive education system in both educational scientific communities generally coincides. Unity of scientific views of North American researchers and Ukraine is also observed in the vision of status and role positions of all participants in inclusive education as a prerequisite for regulatory functioning education system. Unanimous scientists of both scientific schools and the professional competence of teachers as a key tool for coordinated activities in the inclusive class and the functioning of the educational system as a whole. The definition of common components and specific features of the development of inclusive education on the basis of ideological interpretations will help to determine the general character of the grounds for the inclusive form of education and to use the positive experience of Western countries in Ukrainian realities effectively.