Summary: | Previous research has highlighted that Greek-Cypriot teachers need to be offered a solid programme to support their practices with regard to SEBD children, and to provide support to SEBD children in order to meet their educational needs. This study examines the effect of the SEAL programme on children with SEBD in a mainstream Greek-Cypriot primary school in terms of changing their behaviour. Five teachers were interviewed in the researcher’s attempt to identify the way that teachers understand the concept of SEBD, the kinds of SEBD behaviours observed, and the provision made available by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus (MOEC) and by the school under consideration to support the teachers’ practices. A seminar was given to raise awareness of the concept and to provide information on the SEAL programme to the teachers. Finally, a series of observations took place, before during and after the implementation of the programme with SEBD children (Years 1, 2, 3) in order to address changes in their behaviour. This study highlights different challenges that the teachers appear to come across while trying to educate SEBD children, and a number of areas that need to be improved within the Greek- Cypriot education system to improve practices with regard to SEBD children. Results also indicate the improvements in teaching practices and SEBD children’s behaviour after the implementation of the SEAL programme. Further research into strategies that could be used by teachers, and changes in the education system, are called for.
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