A Preliminary Survey of Professional and Student Opinion of Special Education Practice in Contemporary Russia

Abstract

Despite pervasive political, economic, and social changes in Russia since the collapse of Soviet rule, it remains uncertain what changes have occurred in special education in the last decade. The purpose of this study was to survey the perceptions of a sample of special educators about the status of special education in contemporary Russia. In addition, the respondents were asked what factors needed to be addressed to produce systems change. Results indicated that the majority of respondents were knowledgeable of and in support of inclusion practices advocated in the United States and Western Europe. However, belief in traditional practices of placing individuals with disabilities in more segregated settings that are somewhat in conflict with contemporary values was also evident. The implications of these findings are discussed.