Inclusion in Special Education
Inclusion is a topic that many educators have mixed feelings about. Some teachers are all about inclusion, whereas some educators question why should we integrate children with special needs into the general education curriculum? Who benefits from the inclusion? Will those students take away from the education of mainstream students? Thankfully, due to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), all students with special needs have the right to participate in their least restrictive environment whether it be for the whole day with accommodations, part of the day with a pull out/push in model, or for just a forth of the day based off their severity of their disorder. Based off of your beliefs, how do you think teachers and/or families can become more involved in promoting inclusive education in our schools today? Discuss your thoughts on inclusion. Below are some links that I have found to be very informative in the area of inclusion.
I'm generally in favor of inclusion, though when I started this educational process I was more of a Montessorian and leery of the potential for anchoring in relation to gifted students. I've since read studies about the positive impact of inclusion on students with disabilities as well as the negative impact of segregating them where inclusion is possible. And I think that while inclusion requires more resources and effort on the part of everyone involved than you see in a traditional model, it's a worthwhile endeavor and whatever complications arise as a result of it, they're overwhelmed by the good done through it.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to have that potential degree of differentiation though, the teacher is going to need (and should expect to receive) help. That help can come in the form of technology and programs that allow for the more diverse academic pacing in an inclusion classroom, as well as aides to facilitate transitions and meet particular, specialized needs of students with disabilities. With appropriate commitment and connection, from families to administrations, I see inclusion as an opportunity for growth in both the realm of academics and the larger social sphere, with the commiserate impact on the society and future these children will secure
Andrew, I think that most people that are not familiar with inclusion could easily be turned off by the idea. I think it does take researching the topic to really understand the benefits inclusion has for students with disabilities. I also agree that inclusion allows great growth in those students with disabilities and that teachers should also be well trained and equipped to foster inclusion correctly. Thank you for your post!
DeleteI am a fan of inclusion and as time goes on, I believe more and more educators will be supportive as well.
ReplyDeleteThe concern I believe most educators and parents have is: 1. The student with special needs may take away meaningful instruction from the typical peers from disruption/not being able to keep up.
2. The special needs student will be left behind in instruction, as the teacher only caters to the typical student needs.
If more educators/teachers would become more knowledgable of what inclusion actually is, this issue would be cleared up. Special needs students are integrated in a typical classroom IF it is the least restrictive environment for them. In other words, if the student is being neglected in the classroom or causing disruptions that handicap the other students learning, it would mean the general education classroom would NOT be their least restrictive environment. I think another concern is that parents are worried that their typical child will pick up on behaviors the special needs child has. Or, the special needs parent is concerned that their child will be bullied. In so many situations I have seen first hand, that is not the case. More often than not, the typical student will take the special needs student under his/her wings and become a helper. This teaches responsibility and acceptance. In some cases, the special needs student displays an improvement of behavior in response to being around typical peers. I believe inclusion is great for both sides.
Meagan, I love your outlook on inclusion. I too feel like the points you made about why some teachers and or parents could be reluctant about inclusion are absolutely right. Those are real concerns that have been voiced to me over the years and as special educators it is our position to educate those teachers or parents the benefits of inclusion. I also agree with your statement about the least restrictive environment. Inclusion is only beneficial if it is the students least restrictive environment. I also think that inclusion is great for both typically developing students and students with disabilities. Thank you for your post!
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