EVALUATION OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ ATTITUDES ON THE PARTICIPATION OF INCLUSIVE STUDENTS IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes of administrators working in secondary schools affiliated to Malatya Battalgazi National Education Directorate towards inclusive students' participation in physical activities. The research group consists of a total of 26 administrators consisting of principals and vice principals of 14 secondary schools affiliated to Malatya Battalgazi National Education Directorate with inclusive students. As a data collection tool in the study, the “Semi-structured Interview Form” developed by the researchers about the school administrators and the demographic information form were noted and applied simultaneously. The data obtained as a result of the research were analyzed using descriptive and content analysis methods. The data were grouped under three themes: difficulties faced by school administrators, difficulties encountered in physical education and sports lessons, and social development. The findings obtained as a result of the analysis were based on theoretical explanations and supported by literature studies written in the field. School administrators stated that their schools had an inadequate infrastructure for inclusive education, that there were deficiencies in physical education and sports lessons for inclusive students, and that the participation of disabled individuals in physical activities had positive effects on their social development. As a result, the administrators of schools with and without gymnasiums stated that they support the participation of mainstreaming students in sportive activities. It is seen that physical education teachers encourage mainstreaming students to participate in physical activities. In addition, it was determined that participation in sports had a positive effect on the social development of inclusion students' families and themselves.