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The evolution of special education in M alaysia
Author(s) -
Lee Lay Wah,
Low Hui Min
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
british journal of special education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.349
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1467-8578
pISSN - 0952-3383
DOI - 10.1111/1467-8578.12048
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , independence (probability theory) , restructuring , diversity (politics) , least restrictive environment , multidisciplinary approach , mainstreaming , special education , political science , sociology , pedagogy , public relations , economic growth , social science , geography , economics , law , statistics , mathematics , archaeology
This article traces the evolution of special education in M alaysia across four chronological stages: before and during the early colonial period (before 1900), pre‐independence (1900–1957), post‐independence (1957–1990) and modern M alaysia (1990 to the present), through document analysis. By placing current issues and trends within a historical perspective, we can provide a context for understanding current practices in relation to shifts in policy paradigms. The effects of policy changes throughout the years are discussed in the context of issues facing special education today. Identifiable areas of improvements are organised into eight themes: (1) provision of education for students with special needs and the degree to which they are inclusive; (2) encouragement of diversity within highly structured education systems; (3) the importance of funding; (4) restructuring pre‐service teacher preparation; (5) multidisciplinary support and collaboration; (6) programme outcomes; (7) provision of related services; and (8) epidemiological data.