Successful school conception in special education schools; with the opinions of school administrators, teachers and parents

This research aims to reveal how school administrators, teachers and parents of students in special education schools perceive success in special education schools and what their expectations are from the schools. It was designed as a qualitative research. 20 teachers, 10 school administrators and 20 parents working in special education schools in the central district of Kütahya province participated in the research. Data were collected through interviews using a semi-structured interview form. The obtained data was analyzed through content analysis. For all participants, "success" was shaped around common themes such as achieving goals, happiness, self-improvement and being useful to society. However, parents place more emphasis on their children acquiring independent living skills and developing self-confidence. Participants see individualized education plans, family involvement, a multi-disciplinary approach and the professional development of teachers as the foundations of successful special education. In addition, improving the school environment and providing physical and social supports are also considered important. Participants reported that in order to increase success in special education schools; They recommended reducing class sizes, individualized instruction, improving the school environment, professional development of teachers, parent collaboration, and raising public awareness.