I am currently collecting data for a project on inclusion. I would appreciate any opinions on this subject and any answers to the following controversial questions.
I thank you in advance for any responses!
1. What is your philosophy of inclusion?
2. Do you think children with any kind of disability can be included in the regular classroom?
3. What are the advantages / disadvantages of inclusion?
4. Do you think inclusion works / does not work?
5. What is the future of inclusion?
6. What are the critical dimensions of an inclusive classroom?
7. How differently do you want inclusion to be implemented?
Re: Inclusion
We do inclusion in my high school. We do a three tiered system. Students are either
1. in regular class
2. in an intervention class(hopefully in regular ed the next year)
3. a traditional resource room
When we first went to inclusion I was very worried about my studnets. How would they deal with the harder classes? How would the other students treat them? It has been a very positive experience for me overall.
We tried to include all the students in the regular classrooms and many crashed and burned while some did more than what was expected. I think you ahve to be careful where the children are pkaced.
One advantage to inclusion is that my studetns are socializing with a larger group of kids.
Dear Airon,
1. All children need to be included to some extent - full time, part-time, etc.
depending upon their needs.
2. With a bit of creativity, all children can be included in different ways and
for different reasons.
3. Advantages - self-esteem, to be a part of a community and build understanding & tolerance, to get involved in helping and caring for each other, to have good role models in behavior & quality of work
Disadvantages - unrealistic demands placed on special ed. children while being included, is not the least restrictive environment, harmful for the other students,
remediation of skills is impossible to achieve
4. When done correctly & with a lot of supports, inclusion can be a very positive thing.
5. Inclusion may be considered a fad, but I believe more and more parents want their students to be included with regular education.
6. The critical dimensions of an inclusive classroom are the reasons special education students are to be included.
7. Remediation will not and cannot occur in the regular education classroom, however, it is vital that all special education children be included with their peers to ensure their dignity, self-respect, and socialization skills. It is also necessary for the regular education students to an understanding and tolerance.
Lisa