SUPPORT MEASURES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN MAINSTREAM SCHOOL IN LATVIA: IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION

The aim of the research is to ascertain the teachers’ view of the implementation of support measures in schools of Latvia for children with special needs (CSN). Two hundred and fourteen teachers in mainstream schools participated in the study. Teachers responded to original questionnaires on the implementation and evaluation of support measures in their schools, for example, in answering the question about when they start to apply support measures for CSN, the form in which they are applied, and the evaluation of these support measures. Teachers were also asked to point out the difficulties in implementing inclusive education. The results of the survey showed that, in general, various support measures for CSN are implemented in Latvian schools. However, a large proportion of teachers are not fully prepared to realize support measures for CSN, mentioning various reasons such as insufficient knowledge and skills to work with CSN. Many teachers point out the insufficient supply of teaching aids and materials and parental passivity, thus not taking responsibility for managing this process. The results of the survey indicate that teachers do not have a common position when the support measures should start to be applied and how their effectiveness should be assessed. The results of the study will help teachers to make more informed decisions about measures to promote inclusive education in mainstream schools.