New Zealand Day-Special Schools: Changes and Challenges Under Special Education 2000

Abstract

Special Education 2000 was introduced in 1996; the policy heralded a new era of resourcing and organisation for special education aimed to foster and develop an inclusive education system in New Zealand. This article explores the impact of that policy on New Zealand day-special schools. It is suggested that an unintended consequence of the implementation of Special Education 2000 was that day-special schools experienced a period of significant growth and expansion. The effects of this growth and expansion on the schools and their communities are discussed and the future role of day-special schools in an “inclusive” policy environment is considered.