Has the Policy Window Closed? A Critical Analysis of South Africa’s Inclusive Education Policy

Abstract

To assess whether the policy window opened by White Paper Six (WP6) has closed, this article traces the historical path of the policy and reviews pertinent policy documents and research to date on inclusive education in South Africa.  Two research questions are explored: 1. What is the present state of inclusive education for students with disabilities in South Africa?  2. What factors facilitate or inhibit the understanding and implementation of WP6?  Results reveal a negative state of inclusion in present day South Africa based on teacher, student, and parent attitudes towards the policy and disability.  Furthermore, many barriers and few facilitators of inclusion were found.  The analysis concludes by making policy recommendations and posing alternatives.