Abstract:

This research was aimed to get the views of the specialists (counselors, psychologists etc.) working in the primary schools (n=138) and counseling and research centers (n=79) where integration was implemented. The counselors’ and specialists’ views were as indicated below: Both primary schools counselors and research center specialists mentioned that they have not had sufficient knowledge about integration in general, features of integrated special needs children and informing parents about integration. More school counselors than research center specialists were mentioned this view. Almost 60-65% of the sample of the research mentioned also that they were not sufficient at informing principals and teachers about the integration process of these children. Most of them believed that research centers were insufficient in giving support to school counselors. Most of them believed assessment and evaluation processes applied by centers were sufficient. However more school counselors (%24.6) were suspicious than research center specialists (7.6%) about evaluation. 86.2% of school counselors and 63.6% of research centers specialists believed that research centers were not sufficient as well. Also almost all of them agree that the system followed in our country for integration process was not appropriate. Key words: Integration, counseling, special needs children, primary education

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