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This research investigated the perceptions and attitudes of principals and headmasters about the inclusion of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), the factors supporting or inhibiting school leaders in their effort to implement inclusive practices, and the approaches they use to initiate, facilitate, support and sustain the inclusion of students with EBD. In spite of a noted positive attitude, school leaders in this study remained uncertain or unwilling to implement inclusive settings for students with EBD. Firstly, this suggests a leadership schism between central administration and school leaders. A top-down mandate is found to be ineffective in initiating and sustaining inclusionary practices. Secondly, some school leaders lack the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake such endeavor. To make inclusion work for students with EBD, school leaders must engage in a real shift in paradigm by investing in the reculturing process rather than focus on restructuring issues. They must lead rather than merely manage their school. School leaders must exude moral courage by impacting change with their actions rather than anticipating directives from central office.

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Dr. JD Herve Anoh is the headmaster of a fully inclusive high school for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities located in the northeastern United States. He holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Lesley University. He has been working in the area of inclusive education for more than twenty years.

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