Teacher Perspectives on Inclusive Education in Rural Alberta, Canada

The results of 123 elementary-to-secondary teacher surveys and 14 in-depth qualitative interviews examining teachers' perspectives regarding inclusion in a rural school district are reported. Four features of inclusive education from the perspective of teachers are elaborated: (1) attitudes toward inclusion; (2) supportive communication and collaboration; (3) classroom community; and (4) support and training. Five key themes emerged from the qualitative interview that enriched survey findings of teachers' perspectives. The results of this study corroborate existing research and indicate some differences between elementary and secondary teachers' understanding and perceptions, with respect to some of the key themes.