Implementation of inclusive education in schools of Educational District 10-06 in Santo Domingo Este: gaps between policy and educational practice

Authors

  • Ana Báez Ibero-American International University https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7264-3406
  • Antonio Hernández Ibero-American International University
  • Claudia De Barros Ibero-American International University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55040/r7kk0780

Keywords:

inclusive education, school inclusion, educational policies, teacher education, educational equity

Abstract

Inclusive education represents a challenge for contemporary educational systems, particularly where gaps exist between regulatory frameworks and their implementation in school practices. In the Dominican Republic, although policies have been established to guarantee the right to education for all, their implementation still faces challenges in educational institutions. This study analyzes the implementation of inclusive education in schools within Educational District 10-06 of Santo Domingo Este in order to identify the main conditions and barriers influencing its development. The research adopted a mixed methodological approach combining documentary analysis of educational policies with questionnaires administered to teachers, students, and school administrators. The results show progress in the normative recognition of inclusive education but also limitations related to teacher training, pedagogical resources, and the accessibility of school infrastructure. The study concludes that strengthening inclusive education requires not only regulatory frameworks but also institutional strategies promoting teacher training, access to educational resources, and a school culture grounded in equity and respect for diversity.

Author Biographies

  • Ana Báez, Ibero-American International University

    Ana Dilia Báez Polanco holds a bachelor’s in education with a focus on Biology and Chemistry, and a master’s in educational management. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Education. She has worked as a science teacher in both public and private institutions, served as an academic coordinator, and authored Biology materials for Santillana Publishing. She also holds diplomas in areas such as HIV in schools, Marine Ecosystems, and Teacher Training.

  • Antonio Hernández , Ibero-American International University

    Dr. Antonio Hernández holds a doctorate in Education and has extensive experience in higher education and thesis advising at universities in Spain and international institutions such as UNINI, UNIB, and others. His career is distinguished by his methodological and scientific support for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral research, as well as by his commitment to academic excellence and the training of critical and rigorous researchers.

  • Claudia De Barros, Ibero-American International University

    Claudia de Barros is a distinguished professional in the field of education, with strong experience in higher education and thesis advising at international universities. She has collaborated with institutions such as UNINI, UNIB, and others, guiding undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students through methodologically sound and academically rigorous research processes. Her work is marked by a commitment to academic excellence, research development, and the strengthening of critical thinking skills.

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Published

2026-07-01

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Original papers

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Báez, Antonio Hernández , Claudia De Barros

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0

How to Cite

Báez Polanco, A. D., Hernández Fernández, A. . ., & De Barros Camargo, C. (2026). Implementation of inclusive education in schools of Educational District 10-06 in Santo Domingo Este: gaps between policy and educational practice. EDUCA. International Journal for Educational Quality, 6(2), 1-28. https://doi.org/10.55040/r7kk0780

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