Description

How can Mäori learners with special needs have their needs met in a culturally appropriate, effective way? What challenges exist and how can they be met? A multimethod approach was used to answer these questions, including the development and trial of a cultural audit. Findings revealed that Mäori learners with special needs were not being adequately provided for. Special education provisions need to be based on Mäori perspectives of special needs and incorporate Mäori concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes, language, customs, values and beliefs; focus on areas of importance, concern and benefit to Mäori; involve and empower parents, family, the Mäori community and the learners themselves; be of a high quality; accessible; result in equitable outcomes for Mäori learners; and be delivered by people with the required personal, professional and cultural expertise. The cultural audit was seen as an effective means of improving programs and services for Maori learners with special needs. However, to achieve long-term, widespread improvement, genuine power sharing and societal-level changes in the ideologies, systems and circumstances that disadvantage Mäori are needed.