Chapter 9 Old Ideas, New Withdrawal Rooms
A Spatial Study of a Co-Located South Australian Special School
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Abstract
This chapter focuses on ‘Cook Centre’ (pseudonym), one of four case studies special schools within a broader doctoral thesis. The thesis aimed to explore whether the co-location of special schools with mainstream schools, instigated by recent reforms in South Australia, would likely lead to more inclusive schooling. Soja’s Thirdspace is used as a conceptual framework within this spatial research. Member checking of major themes occurred post-analysis, during an interview with a school leader, increasing the credibility of the final analysis. Findings showed a desire to reproduce some spaces to maintain previous teaching practices. The number of withdrawal spaces was increased throughout the school. Member checking supporting the intention of these spaces being used for behavioral management purposes. A large central corridor was a starkly new feature, enabling school leaders to quickly ascertain what is occurring within classrooms and to view without being viewed. This chapter contributes to a developing research area, looking at how spatial decisions of policymakers and educators can impact inclusive education.