Trends Of "Inclusive Education" In The Modern World: International Discussions And Prospects For Russia

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Abstract

The article examines the trends in the development of the concept of "inclusive education" in the documents of international organizations, discussions in academic publications regarding this concept, its evolution and implementation. The prospects for the implementation of the highlighted trends in Russian education in the current socio-political context of Russia and taking into account the discourses of contextualization and decolonization of the concept of inclusive education are discussed. The contradictions between the global trends of inclusive education and the situation of development of Russian education and the state are revealed. The interpretations of the Russian case of the development of inclusive education are proposed as an example of the implementation of a global concept promoted by international organizations in specific socio-cultural and institutional conditions.

General Information

Keywords: inclusive education; special educational needs; diversity; international organizations

Journal rubric: Educational Psychology

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/pse.2024290502

Funding. The reported study was funded by Russian Science Fond (RFBR), project number 24-28-20225, https://rscf.ru/project/24-28-20225

Received: 26.07.2024

Accepted:

For citation: Kosaretsky S.G. Trends Of "Inclusive Education" In The Modern World: International Discussions And Prospects For Russia. Psikhologicheskaya nauka i obrazovanie = Psychological Science and Education, 2024. Vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 14–30. DOI: 10.17759/pse.2024290502.

Full text

Introduction

The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Salamanca Declaration on Principles, Policy, and Practice in Special Needs Education, which established the global significance of inclusive education [The Salamanca Statement, 1994]. Russia joined the Salamanca process by signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2012, a successor to the Declaration [United Nations. Convention, 2016], and continues to implement policies to uphold its core principles. This process has been accompanied by ongoing analysis and discussion. Most researchers agree that substantial progress has been made both legislatively and practically; however, the process is incomplete and does not always proceed smoothly [Alekhina, 2019; Hanssen, 2024; Iarskaia-Smirnova, 2022; Kutepova, 2021].

It is noteworthy that the assessment and debate on inclusive education have primarily centered on basic international approaches, which is justified, given that inclusive education represents one of the most significant post-Soviet educational reforms, rooted in the adoption of foreign concepts.

However, in our view, the evolution of the inclusive education concept and current international discussions regarding its implementation are not fully considered [Ainscow; Ainscow, a; Amor, 2019; Artiles; Deyrich, 2023; Mendoza, 2024; Nilholm, 2021]. On the other hand, any discourse on the implementation of inclusive education must necessarily reflect the significant changes in the Russian context—both in terms of educational policy and broader societal developments. As Anastasia Liasidou notes, "Change possibilities can be feasible only when we are aware of the context and time-specific ‘discursive contours’ within which policy agendas are conceived and implemented" [Liasidou, 2008, p. 238]. We find successful examples of such contextualized approaches in Russian studies on the earlier stages of inclusion policy implementation [Alekhina, 2019; Iarskaia-Smirnova, 2022; Kalinnikova Magnusson, 2023].

In this article, we aim to address some of these gaps. First, we will outline the trends in the evolution of the inclusive education concept, as reflected in documents from international organizations. Next, we will explore the academic discussions surrounding inclusive education and its evolving trends. Finally, we will examine the prospects for implementing these trends within the current socio-political context of Russia.

We hope that this publication will provide valuable insights for Russian research on inclusive education and contribute to the ongoing dialogue regarding its further development. Moreover, our conclusions may also hold significance for the broader international discussion on the implementation of inclusive education across various socio-cultural and institutional contexts.

Trends in the development of the concept of inclusive education

Let us begin by examining the trends in the global development of the concept of inclusive education in recent years. Initially, the concept of inclusive education was primarily focused on promoting the inclusion of students with special needs, particularly those with disabilities or psychological developmental challenges. However, over time, it has expanded to encompass other student groups. These include differences related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, culture, religion, mental and physical abilities, social class, and immigration status, all of which can create risks of exclusion, discrimination, marginalization, limited access to education, and barriers to achieving high educational outcomes. The concept of "diversity" now occupies a central place in the policy documents of leading international organizations, such as UNESCO and OECD, and is actively promoted by these bodies [Cerna; Equity and Inclusion, 2023; A Guide for, 2017].

Accordingly, inclusive education now aims to create conditions where these differences do not serve as obstacles to receiving a quality education. In recent years, a significant trend has been the merging of the concepts of "inclusion" and "equity," emphasizing that all students should have the opportunity to achieve their best, irrespective of the circumstances of their birth [Equity and Inclusion, 2023].

A current focus is on the multiple intersections between these differences, which create unique needs for students. This intersectionality approach highlights the interdependence of various aspects of an individual's identity, stressing the importance of addressing diversity, equality, and inclusion in education systems comprehensively. This approach aims to ensure complementarity and prevent inconsistencies in educational goals [Equity and Inclusion, 2023; Varsik, 2023]. For example, migrant status, often implicitly linked to ethnic minority status, is frequently associated with lower socio-economic status. However, when combined with gender, it can lead to different risks and opportunities for school well-being, depending on the context [Bakhshaei, 2016].

The discourse of diversity, as promoted by international organizations, aims to enact significant changes in education systems, particularly in terms of staffing for inclusive education. It emphasizes the importance of not only attracting qualified personnel but also promoting teacher diversity by hiring teachers with disabilities, teachers with migration experience, and teachers from indigenous communities for inclusive classrooms and schools [Brussino, 2020]. Significant changes are also expected in the content of education, especially regarding the traditions and knowledge of indigenous peoples [Conrad, 2024]. In this regard, the discourse of inclusion and diversity is increasingly integrated with the discourse of decolonization [Day, 2022; Elder, 2020].

Inclusion, within this framework, is increasingly recognized as a principle that not only acknowledges differences but also supports and welcomes diversity among all students. Individual differences are viewed not as issues to be resolved but as opportunities to enrich the educational environment for everyone [Ainscow, a].

In recent years, as the range of differences requiring consideration in inclusive education has expanded—along with their intersections—the idea has emerged that inclusive education should not be confined to specific categories of students. Instead, it should be designed for all students, considering the unique identities and needs of each child. The aim is to ensure high standards of educational quality and the well-being of all students [Ainscow; Brussino, 2020; Stegemann, 2018]. Achieving this requires schools to do more than just offer joint education for all children, which was the original focus of early inclusive education declarations. Schools must transform all aspects of their operations to meet the individual needs of each student and foster the realization of their full potential [Jarvis, 2020; Equity and Inclusion, 2023].

In this context, the concept of an "inclusive school" has been further developed and enriched with the idea of a "friendly school" (or "Child-Friendly School"). This model, promoted by international organizations over the past decade, is one that recognizes and encourages the fulfillment of children’s fundamental rights. It actively responds to diversity, creates safe conditions for its expression, identifies excluded children to integrate them into the educational process, and works in the best interests of the child, helping to realize their potential [Ainscow, 2006; Fauziati, 2016; Fitriani, 2021; Embracing Diversity: Tool, 2015].

This trend places greater emphasis on individual values, such as identity, culture, talent, abilities, interests, and needs [Štech, 2023]. Furthermore, the concept of inclusive education is increasingly integrated with the notion of personality-oriented, personalized education, which has been widely promoted in the policy documents of these same international organizations and aligns with their visions for the future of education [Koutsouris, 2024; Schwab, 2022].

Controversial issues in the theory, policy and practice of educational inclusion

The evolution of the concept of inclusive education toward "broadening and deepening" may appear straightforward. However, this is far from the case. In fact, we are witnessing a growing body of critical literature, not only questioning the progress made in implementing inclusive education models but also challenging their foundational principles [Cruz, 2024; Hernández-Saca, 2023; Koutsouris, 2024]. It is noted that, after a decade of implementing inclusive education policies, there is a sense that a broad consensus on key positions has been reached. Yet, in practice, achieving this consensus remains elusive, and there is more ambiguity than clarity [Ainscow; Felder, 2018].

Despite the signing of numerous international agreements and conventions by countries, and the declared commitment to the principles of inclusion, the practical implementation of these goals has proven to be much more complex. Many approaches to inclusive pedagogy are viewed as politically or idealistically driven, overly utopian, and detached from practical realities—especially in secondary education. As a result, they require reevaluation and refinement [Amor, 2019; Koutsouris, 2024; Nilholm, 2021]. Although definitions of inclusive education are outlined in international documents and embedded in the legislation of various countries, significant differences in these concepts, as well as in the associated rights and mechanisms for their enforcement, persist [Ainscow, a; Brussino, 2020; Krischler; Nilholm, 2021; Equity and Inclusion, 2023]. It is acknowledged that most countries and education systems have developed their own definitions of inclusion, reflecting their unique histories, priorities, and educational objectives [Cerna].

Even more varied are the interpretations of "special educational needs" and specific groups or conditions in national regulations, policies, and academic publications. Some countries provide detailed categorizations, while others avoid classification to prevent stigmatization [Brussino, 2020; Equity and Inclusion, 2023]. Assigning the formal status of a "student with special educational needs" has advantages, such as enabling targeted resource allocation and specialized support, including individual learning plans and adapted curricula. However, this status can also lead to labeling, which may lower expectations, reduce academic performance and self-esteem, and hinder peer relationships [Krischler; Nilholm, 2021]. Meanwhile, the effort to address individual differences without stigmatization, marginalization, or privilege raises concerns about its practicality [Koutsouris, 2024]. While recognizing differences is often associated with the risk of stigmatization, failing to acknowledge them can result in missed opportunities [Norwich, 2013]. Thus, finding a balance between recognizing differences and avoiding stigmatization, as well as determining an optimal level of differentiation that does not lead to isolation, is crucial.

Globally, no single model for educating children with special needs has emerged. Instead, we observe a combination of segregation, integration, and inclusive elements. In some countries, education within general schools with adapted conditions is the norm, while in others, a significant proportion of specialized institutions still exists. Additionally, some schools have both general education classes and specialized classes for students with special needs. These specialized classes do not appear marginalized, and discussions continue regarding their role and limitations within the inclusive education framework [Florian, 2019; Merrigan, 2023].

There is also no consensus regarding the impact of inclusive education on academic achievement, social-emotional development, socialization, and employment outcomes for individuals with special needs. Some studies and reviews present evidence of the comparative advantages of inclusive classrooms [Brussino, 2020; Cole, 2019; Gee, 2020; Hehir, 2016]. These benefits are seen for both students with and without special educational needs in inclusive schools [Ruijs, 2009], which is significant given that a common argument against inclusion is the fear of negative effects on the academic performance of students without special needs [Mezzanotte, 2022].

However, other studies reveal no substantial positive or negative effects of inclusion on academic achievement or overall psychosocial adjustment [Dalgaard]. The outcomes vary depending on the type of special needs, the specific characteristics of inclusive education, and the socioeconomic composition of the classrooms where students with special needs are integrated [Ruijs, 2009; Krämer, 2021; Dyssegaard, 2013; Lindsay, 2007; Scharenberg, 2019].

It is argued that both positive and negative effects must be understood within the complex interplay of individual, class, and school-level factors, alongside varying interpretations of what constitutes inclusive education and specific types of outcomes. As Norwich suggests, the nuanced political and practical issues within inclusive education highlight the need to avoid simplistic, generalized conclusions. Instead, there is a demand for more detailed research on inclusive education [Norwich, 2022], a particularly relevant need for the Russian Federation, where evidence-based approaches to inclusive education are still in their early stages [Roditel'skie komitety vyskazalis', 2018].

The intensification of discussions surrounding inclusive education and the rise of critical perspectives are, in our opinion, not merely situational. Rather, they reflect a broader crisis in several global political constructs that have shaped educational policy since the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with inclusive education being one of the most prominent examples. Initially, inclusive education was closely associated with human rights. Education, as one of the fundamental human rights, was seen as a means to combat discrimination and isolation [Ainscow, 2006; Felder; Florian, 2008], with the ultimate aim of integrating children with special needs into society as active citizens, fully and equally participating in social and political processes and realizing their own life goals. This position was first articulated at the international level in the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education, the Salamanca Declaration, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which consolidated this understanding and established corresponding universal requirements for national policies [The Salamanca Statement, 1994; United Nations. Convention, 2016].

Inclusive education soon became a striking example of the "global agenda" shaped and promoted by international organizations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as educational policies expanded beyond national boundaries. The mechanisms through which global institutions influence national policies and reforms in education vary widely, with their impact depending on local contexts [Ball, 2017; Mundy, 2016; Portnoi, 2016]. While the implementation of international agreements by individual countries remains voluntary, many nations have found themselves with specific obligations—more to the global community than to their own citizens—and their adherence is monitored. It has been argued that in this way, global inclusive education is being imposed on countries without considering the unique historical, political, educational, and cultural factors of each nation [Martini, 2024]. This process is often seen as one-sided, with developed countries of the Global North imposing their models on the Global South, and is regarded as a version of "knowledge colonization" [Artiles], a top-down transfer of "northern concepts" [Werning, 2016, p. 163].

In Russia, the direct activities of international organizations in promoting inclusive education have been less pronounced compared to regions such as Transcaucasia [Mikayilova, 2019] and Central Asia. Nevertheless, like most countries, Russia has been influenced by international organizations and the relevant agreements over the past few decades.

The adoption of international laws comes with a set of values that are not always readily accepted within the social and organizational cultures of post-socialist societies. This often leads to a formal, rather than genuine, implementation of the laws that have been ratified. In some cases, excessive radicalism in reform efforts can occur, as seen in the Czech Republic, where the maximalist interpretations of international recommendations led to the notion that support for students in need of special education in regular schools necessitated the complete elimination of the special education system [Štech, 2023].

Even publications from leading authorities in the Global North now acknowledge the limitations of universal solutions and emphasize the importance of understanding contextual factors, including attitudes, beliefs, social relations, and the cultural, demographic, and economic characteristics of the territories where educational inclusion is being implemented [Ainscow, a].

It is also recognized that much of the research on children with special educational needs and inclusive education has focused on highly developed countries. This limits the ability to generalize findings and underscores the need to expand research to include different contexts [Deyrich, 2023; Grech, 2009; Mendoza, 2024].

Finally, there are attempts to move beyond the clear "genetic link" between inclusive education and human rights. A large-scale study of educational reforms in 215 countries from 1970 to 2018 found increasing attention to inclusion; however, reforms explicitly framed in the language of "rights" have been decreasing [Bromley, 2024].

Russian context

When comparing the development of the inclusive education system in modern Russia with global trends, it becomes apparent that the situation is more complex than some critics suggest, particularly those focusing on its incompleteness and the unresolved legacy of the Soviet model of segregation and discrimination as primary causes [Hanssen, 2024; Global Education Monitoring, 2021]. Many features of Russia’s current state of affairs reflect problems that are not unique to the Soviet or Socialist space but are shared by countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. These issues include contradictions in legislation, the attitudes and competencies of teachers and parents, financing programs and methodological support for practices, monitoring and statistics, and the balance between segregation, integration, and inclusive components. Furthermore, a general tension exists between the idealism of the global concept of inclusion and the realities faced by educational systems and society.

On one hand, the legacy of the Soviet system undeniably persists and continues to influence inclusive education, but it is far from being solely restricted to mechanisms of segregation, and these mechanisms differ depending on the specific contexts of individual countries.

On the other hand, many of the challenges in implementing the global concept of inclusive education in Russia are not due to inherent flaws in the concept itself but stem from the nature of reforms during the transitional period. The policy on inclusive education has exhibited characteristics typical of educational and broader social reforms in Russia: top-down implementation, with little regard for coordinating the interests of different groups, particularly beneficiaries; a declaration of guarantees, rights, and opportunities without reliable mechanisms for enforcement; and a rushed push for implementation and oversight without sufficiently developing the necessary details [Froumin, 2020]. The education budget is limited, and cost optimization policies often occur at the expense of the social sector. Regarding inclusive education, the inability of countries to provide a comprehensive foundation for implementation (resources, personnel, equipment) is considered a significant limitation of the concept, often cited as a reason to delay or even avoid fulfilling the rights of children with special needs [Lubovskii, 2016; Mikayilova, 2019]. The discourse of “inclusion for all” is contrasted with “inclusion for some,” which focuses on delivering the highest possible quality of education to children with special needs in specialized environments [Leijen, 2021].

If we are to responsibly discuss the future of inclusive education in Russia within the global agenda, the situation becomes even more complicated. As we have indicated, the concept of inclusive education emerged not merely as an educational (pedagogical) concept, but as a political one—an element of the human rights discourse of the 20th and early 21st centuries, aimed at combating discrimination. Like any political concept, inclusion touches upon values, ideals, interests, and questions of power and resource distribution, inevitably creating tension [Barton, 1997; Leijen, 2021].

When examining the history and future prospects for the development of inclusive education in Russia, these factors cannot be overlooked. Attempting to alleviate this tension through purely technocratic solutions is unlikely to succeed. In fact, such solutions can be blocked or fail to achieve the desired outcome without a clear understanding of the interactions among key actors and the broader context. This is particularly crucial given the historical changes unfolding in Russia and their impact on education. These changes go beyond the declared sovereignty of educational policy or the evolving relationships with international organizations advocating for an inclusive agenda.

The principles of prioritizing human and children’s rights, considering minority interests, valuing differences and diversity, and promoting variability and individualization in education—core to the concept of inclusion—were novel in the context of Soviet ideology and became central in post-Soviet educational policy. While these ideas led to the development of several innovative pedagogical concepts (such as "pedagogy of cooperation," "pedagogy of support" by O. Gazman, and "personally-oriented learning" by I. Yakimanskaya), and practices (e.g., "School of Self-Determination" by A. Tubelsky), they were not widely adopted by mainstream schools or pedagogical theory, and ultimately did not become embedded in the broader pedagogical culture.

Today, there is a growing critical attitude in society toward these values, whether explicitly or implicitly supported at the official level [Roditel'skie komitety vyskazalis', 2018]. Notably, the issue of minority interests, the importance of their "voice," and the protection of their rights is not prioritized; in fact, it is somewhat marginalized. Similarly, the discourse surrounding unique group and individual identities and differences is not supported in official narratives but is instead tabooed.

In this context, it is unsurprising that Russia continues to employ the original "narrow" definition of inclusion, which primarily focuses on children with disabilities and limited health capabilities. This definition is likely to remain dominant in the foreseeable future. An expanded definition of inclusion, which would consider other student groups with diverse characteristics and needs shaped by their social and cultural environments, is neither present in Russian legislation nor reflected in the tools used to assess inclusive environments, the criteria for identifying best practices in general inclusive education, or in new initiatives and memoranda [Alekhina; Polozhenie o XI, 2024; Yaroslavtseva, 2024].

For example, with regard to children from migrant backgrounds, the requirements are framed within an assimilation model rather than an inclusive one [Kozlova, 2022]. Although children from indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities have retained important rights related to language instruction and cultural recognition in national regions, their actual conditions, quality of education, and well-being are rarely addressed in official agendas or expert discussions. The concept of "multiculturalism" [Malakhov, 2023] has not been adopted in Russian education, and domestic versions of multicultural education continue to follow assimilationist narratives based on a homogenized vision of Russian identity [Kozlova, 2020].

Socio-economic status is also not regarded as a risk factor for poor educational outcomes, nor is it considered a basis for targeted support measures [Kosaretskii, 2023]. The methodology of intersectionality—especially considering the "feminist background" of the concept [Crenshaw, 2013]—is unlikely to gain traction in the Russian context. In today's Russia, the notion of separating from society to nurture group and especially individual "identities" is viewed as a "black sheep." As a result, the policy of homogenization is likely to persist and intensify.

The prospects for consolidating the current interpretation of inclusion in Russian education, defined as creating conditions to realize each student's potential by focusing on individual characteristics and needs, appear dim. The topic of individualization or personalization of education—adapting the learning environment and teaching methods to the interests and abilities of each child—appears increasingly rare in state educational policy documents. Moreover, this direction is not supported organizationally, scientifically, or methodologically. The movement toward a more humanized educational process, one that fosters a friendly and comfortable environment for students, is interpreted as pandering to a consumerist view of education and is associated with the "market-service approach" to education [Kabyshev, 2023].

In the global discourse on inclusive education, the "voices" of parents, their rights, and their choices are significant [Malofeev, 2023]. Over the past decade, Russia has gradually developed a culture that supports the participation of public organizations of parents of children with disabilities and special educational needs in shaping policy, presenting their views, and contributing to government decisions. However, the privileged status of the "voice of parents" and "voice of children" over the "voice of teachers" is causing growing tension within the teaching community. This dynamic is linked to the discourse of "education as a service," and the government has recently shown concern about maintaining balance, introducing initiatives to protect teachers' rights [Federal'nyi zakon ot].

Conclusion

The analysis reveals significant contradictions between global trends in educational inclusion and the current state of development in Russian education, as well as broader societal and state dynamics. There is reason to believe that Russian education will not move toward adopting the expanded concept of inclusive education in the near future. Instead, the model of educational inclusion will likely continue to focus exclusively on children with special needs, combining elements of inclusion, integration, and segregation.

The movement toward fostering an inclusive culture and creating a welcoming environment within educational institutions will remain secondary to the focus on specialization and enhancing the quality of support for children with special educational needs in regular schools. This will occur without substantial changes to the values or daily practices of schools and teachers.

The cultural and political foundations of the global concept of inclusive education—values such as "human rights," "civil society," "children’s rights," "diversity," and "individualization"—were uncritically borrowed and insufficiently integrated into Russian educational policy. These will likely be replaced by traditional values of state paternalism, prioritizing public interests over individual ones and emphasizing support for families and children. This shift has become increasingly relevant in light of both external and internal challenges.

A promising topic for further discussion is whether the Russian situation should be interpreted as an example of unfinished educational reform in Russia (and more broadly, in post-socialist countries) or as a case of the ongoing contextualization and decolonization of inclusive education worldwide. This approach suggests a search for new foundations for inclusive education beyond the framework of "human rights."

At the same time, perhaps even more important for future research and discussion is the question of how these processes affect the primary beneficiaries—children with special needs. It remains to be seen whether, in the evolving framework of inclusive education, these children will continue to be prioritized or if their needs will be overlooked in the rush for reform, risking the proverbial "throwing the baby out with the bathwater."

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Information About the Authors

Sergey G. Kosaretsky, PhD in Psychology, Director of the Pinsky Centre of General and Extracurricular Education, Institute of Education, HSE University, Moscow, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8905-8983, e-mail: skosaretski@hse.ru

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