A look at the research extension training “Special Education from the perspective of inclusion in mainstream schools”

Abstract

This article aims to present the work carried out by the Research Group “Special Education: professional training, pedagogical practices and school inclusion policies” (GPEEFPP), linked to the Education Center of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), with a view to systematizing the research-extension-training project “Special Education from the perspective of inclusion in mainstream schools”. The proposal seeks inspiration in the Special Education policies promoted by the document “National Policy on Special Education from an inclusive perspective”, involving Basic Education professionals from thirteen municipalities in Espírito Santo and organizing itself into two interrelated actions: a) focus groups to understand the contributions of the aforementioned document to local Special Education policies; b) a 200-hour extension project, with face-to-face meetings and online activities. As a result, the research-training-extension program shows that extension activities based on the relationship between theory and practice strengthen the knowledge and skills of education professionals, demonstrate the university's commitment to defending mainstream education for all, and outline possibilities for teachers to find better conditions to systematize pedagogical actions capable of safeguarding the learning rights of students with special educational needs.