Die behoeftes en probleme van hoofstroomopvoeders in die Vrystaat in 'n inklusiewe onderwysbenadering

English: In view of the fact that inclusive education is in the process of being implemented by the South African government, a research study was undertaken to establish the problems and needs of mainstream educators in the Free State in an inclusive educational system. By means of an extensive literature study, the development of special and inclusive education was historically contextualised. Thereafter the focus fell on identified problems and needs of mainstream educators in countries such as the USA, England and Italy. During a qualitative study the needs and problems of mainstream educators working in an inclusive system (but without adequate support services) in the Free State, were identified. These needs and problems correspond with those described in international literature. Aspects such as negative attitudes towards people with disabilities, fear of change, teacher stress and problematic relationships between mainstream educators and educators from special education, inter alia, were discussed both in the literature study and the qualitative research. Likewise, various needs such as the need for effective training, adequate support services and realistic teacher-pupil ratios were identified and discussed both during the literature study and the qualitative research. With these findings as' foundation, important recommendations were made to the education authorities in the Free State. These findings can support the provincial government of the Free State in the training of and advocacy to mainstream educators for inclusive education.