The Importance of Establishing Inclusive Elementary School Development Centers in Higher Education: Lecturers' and Teachers' Perspectives

Abstract

Background - The successful implementation of inclusive education in elementary schools requires the
involvement of all parties, including higher education. Several problems, such as the absence of a special unit that
helps solve inclusive problems and a mentoring program for schools by the government and related parties, are
problems that inclusive elementary schools often need help with so that the implementation of inclusive education
has not been optimal.
Purpose - This research aims to explore the perceptions of lecturers and teachers regarding the establishment of
inclusive elementary school development centers in universities.
methodology - Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with sixteen participants: five university
lecturers and eleven inclusive elementary school teachers. Data analysis used thematic analysis. The study's
results produced two main themes, namely (1) the availability of inclusive education services and (2) the need for
the development of inclusive elementary schools.
Findings - The findings show the importance of establishing inclusive elementary school development centers in
universities, which is expected to restructure inclusive education programs that can positively impact elementary
schools and universities through innovative and sustainable programs to systematically improve the quality of
inclusive education. This research has implications for all parties, including universities, schools, and government,
to work together well so that national education goals can benefit from inclusive education policies.
Originality - This research makes an important contribution by highlighting the urgency of establishing inclusive
primary school development centers in universities. The findings offer empirical insights from the perspectives of
lecturers and teachers, which have not been widely explored, and illustrate the strategic role of universities in
supporting inclusive education through ongoing training programs, mentorship and innovative research. This adds
value in strengthening collaboration between universities and schools to systematically improve the quality of
inclusive education.