Comparing attitudes towards inclusive education: a mixed methods study of French teachers and paraprofessionals

The successful implementation of inclusive education is influenced by various factors, among which individual attitudes towards inclusive education. While much of the existing literature has focused on teachers' attitudes, less attention has been given to the attitudes of various health and social professionals such as psychologists, specialist educators, nurses, speech therapists and other professionals working in medical-educational settings. This study seeks to examine and compare attitudes towards inclusive education among French teachers and paraprofessionals using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Findings from an online survey and semi-structured interviews indicate significant differences between the groups, with paraprofessionals demonstrating more favourable attitudes towards the inclusion of students with special educational needs. These attitudinal differences are discussed in relation to the cognitive, behavioural and emotional components of the attitude construct, along with their implications for the successful implementation of inclusive education.