Rachel Frame is a Grenadian educator who has served her country for the past fourteen years in the role of English Language teacher at the secondary level. During her time there, she developed a keen interest in improving the oral and written English Language competencies of her students. This propelled her to pursue professional development in the field of education. To this end, she holds a Bachelor of Education degree in English Language and Literature as well as a Master of Education degree in Language and Literacy Studies. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Education. Her area of interest is in students’ literacy achievement and the factors that contribute to this.

Session Description

Considering the need for historicizing and consolidating Caribbean discourses on Special Education Needs, this conceptual paper aims to provide a comprehensive meta-synthesis of the status of Special Education Needs Research within the Caribbean. Particular attention will be paid to the historical development of Special Education, the barriers to the advancement of Special Education, the status of Special Education Needs research, and the challenges to conducting research related to Special Education Needs. Through this conceptual paper, it is expected that the outlined advancements, challenges, and proposed solutions will propel and further inform research, as well as, the implementation of data-driven policy and practices related to Special Education Needs within the Caribbean, and by extension, provide transferable considerations for international education partners.

Breakout Session 3