China's Special Education: A Comparative Analysis.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper, written in outline form, summarizes the history and current situation of special education in China. The paper begins by listing milestones in Chinese special education from 200 B.C. to 1990 A.D. and noting that currently there are an estimated 6,500,000 children (ages 7-15, with disabilities, of whom 70,000 are being served in special classes and special schools. Contemporary legislation pertaining to special education are noted, followed by a description of current education practices in the areas of regular education, special schools, higher education, and inservice teacher training. Current examples of educational research are also described, including experiments in service delivery options (such as mainstreaming), early intervention and education, and parent/school collaboration. Activities in the areas of international exchange are briefly noted. Major problems identified include the following: (1) low school attendance rate by children with disabilities, (2) large regional variances in school attendance, (3) limited vocational training options, and (4) shortage of teachers. Concluding the paper is an outline of future directions, including popularized compulsory education for children with disabilities, new secondary and vocational education, new special education categories, and improved levels of teaching and research. (Contains 10 references.) (DB)