Establishing Special Education Programs: Experiences of Christian School Principals

This phenomenological study investigated the experiences of principals who initiated special education programs in Christian schools. Principals described efforts involved to effect changes in the school and noted difficulties in dealing with reluctant staff members. Principals described academic and social rewards of providing services and the satisfaction of parents who found it possible to send their children with special needs to a Christian school. A prominent theme evidenced in this study was the spiritual change in the school as all students interacted and cared for each other.