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This paper describes daily report cards and the evidence relating to their use in schools for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This intervention typically involves teachers evaluating a student's behaviour at school against pre-determined targets and parents subsequently providing reinforcement at home for positive reports. Research suggests that the daily report card has been effective in treating a range of ADHD symptoms and improving school outcomes, including academic achievement in some cases. The daily report card also encourages collaboration between teachers and parents, and evidence suggests that the intervention benefits from the inclusion of reinforcement at home. Daily report cards are easy to implement and research finds that teachers consider them an acceptable intervention for ADHD. This paper also considers challenges in using daily report cards, including barriers to their use over the long-term and the risk of stigma for children with a report card. Ideas to address these issues are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many western countries, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has achieved celebrity status, such that it probably no longer requires introduction. The disorder is a global phenomenon, spreading rapidly as result of the increasing dominance internationally of US psychiatric models, the need for new markets for major pharmaceutical companies, increasing use of the internet by parents and professionals and changing approaches to schooling. There is a broad consensus among international experts and organisations that ADHD is a genuine neurodevelopmental disorder based on empirical research. However, many critics have questioned the legitimacy of ADHD. This paper reviews the arguments for and against the ADHD construct. First, the review examines the literature and research endorsing ADHD as a 'real' disorder. Second, the criticisms levelled against the ADHD construct are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we examine different aspects of the inclusion debate, including how it has been shaped by the political context in England over the past 30 years. We then give consideration to the key argument that has dominated the inclusion agenda over the last decade: should effective inclusion be considered only as placement in mainstream school settings, or can one consider inclusion in a specialist placement as successful? Research studies examining the views of children, parents and teaching staff are also discussed. Consideration is given as to whether a 'universalist' view of inclusion (in which special schools should not be offered) is one that is feasible and desirable. The key arguments highlighted include those relating to 'quality' in education, academic and social inclusion, human rights, parental choice and teachers' attitudes and skills. The role of some professional groups in supporting inclusion, such as educational psychologists ( EPs) and Special Educational Needs Coordinators ( SENCos), is also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educators usually recognise the value of drama‐in‐education, but hesitate to use it with unpredictable diverse groups that have limited communication and social understanding. This article evaluates a professional development initiative in an all‐age special school (3–19 years) in eastern England as a whole‐school improvement strategy to promote drama for enhancing children's communication through dialogic teaching. The project was the culmination of an action research cycle to refine an original constructivist five‐staged professional developmental model for teaching inclusive groups with children with special educational needs and disabilities. Following a staff training session, the researcher supported each teacher in class once a week for 6 weeks, using collegial mentoring strategies. The model enabled their starting point and priority next step to be accurately identified towards them gradually taking over leading drama sessions. A pedagogical framework for early drama – Prescribed Drama Structures – proved pivotal, enhanced by a flexible model for exploring story and understanding social narrative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, the school exclusion rates have been a cause for concern within the English education system. We have witnessed a steady increase in the numbers of pupils being excluded since 2012. Evidence suggests that some children are more likely to be excluded from school, a significant number will have had the social, emotional and behavioural difficulties label attached to them. This article will draw on the work of Parsons and Howlett (Permanent exclusions from school: A case where society is failing its children. Support for Learning, 11, 3, 109–112, 1996) to see how much, if any, progress has been made since the publication of their work which raised concerns regarding the exclusion processes employed in England. Drawing on the perspectives of pupils, parents and teachers, 13 in‐depth case studies were developed, with emphasis placed on employing innovative and creative methods to hear the voices of young people. The findings revealed that young people, their parents and teachers feel the current education system continues to fail this group of young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion 'ideal' is one which has been both celebrated and maligned. It paved the way for equality; but also, out of its diversity sprang many misconceptions and concerns for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It is within this maelstrom of difficulty that the Special Educational Needs Co‐ordinator (SENCo) role is placed, so that those undertaking the position of SENCo face numerous barriers in the pursuit of providing effectively for children with SEND. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with fifteen SENCos employed at mainstream primary schools within the North West of England. Findings revealed conflict between how SENCos viewed their role and responsibilities, and the expectations that they perceived to be placed on them by parents of children with SEND and mainstream colleagues. This study brings to the fore the complexities of the role of the SENCo, and the continuing demands placed on these practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examination success can be considered a passport to further education and, as a result, higher income and better health. Access arrangements (AAs) are intended to allow fair access to examinations for candidates with disabilities, including those with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is a lack of research into how AAs should be organised for ASD candidates. Emerging evidence suggests a lack of student involvement in organising AAs in general. This case‐based action research involves students with ASD in deciding on their AAs, alongside members of school staff. Involving these students in organising their AAs improved their self‐esteem and allowed AAs to be closely tailored to individuals, both of which could lead to improved exam performance. Appropriate support to facilitate ASD student involvement is discussed. The novel concept of 'pre‐examination access facilitators' is highlighted, entailing support provided before an exam to facilitate access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The education of children with a medical condition represents a unique educational context. The key educational factors that can help these children continue their education despite the burdens associated with their illness were discussed and analysed by a pool of experts for an EU funded project. In this context, relationships, making sense and constructing knowledge, assuming roles in front of others, metacognition, individualities and inter-institutional communication emerged as the 6 Key Educational Factors (KEF) that are crucial for the education of this vulnerable population. The implications of the KEFs for home and hospital education are discussed, with a particular focus on practices that meet the relational and communicational needs of these children. Specific recommendations for the practice, policy, and research regarding these KEF within this unique educational context are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]