Implementation challenges of inclusive education: A review of Hong Kong’s local and international education sectors

Abstract

This paper reviews Hong Kong's local and international education sectors with a view to special education practices against an inclusive education philosophy adopted by the Hong Kong government. First, a summary of the Hong Kong education system is presented, followed by a brief introduction of inclusive education. Second, key characteristics of special education provision in Hong Kong's local and international school sectors are reviewed. Each sector is appraised in its own right and respective challenges which diminish successful implementation are identified. The local sector appears to require more expertise leadership but provides across all education levels. The international sector offers an insufficient number of places and incomplete information dissemination but remains the preferred choice, especially for non-Cantonese speakers. Suggestions to improve the current situation to benefit not only individual children with special educational needs from preschool level up but also the Hong Kong economy at large are discussed.