ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the practical issue of how people should go about this rethink. It introduces one approach–Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)–which appears particularly suited to conducting an action-orientated rethink of special needs in mainstream schools. The chapter outlines ways in which SSM has been used by groups and individuals in schools and Local Education Authorities to reflect on practice and effect improvement. Proponents of the Regular Education Initiative are critical of the fragmented approach to pupils with special needs and are concerned about the stigmatization of pupils on 'pull out' programmes. SSM is an approach which can be used to guide intervention in the kinds of ill-structured, real world problem situations common in the field of special needs. The conceptual model was developed from the root definition in Checkland's worked example. It is important to note that conceptual models describe what must be done rather than how it is to be done.
