inclusion-pros and cons

Inclusion is the least restrictive environment for a child with special needs. Every child has the right to be educated with their peers if they or their care givers so choose. Unfortunately, resources and money do not allow this to be an effective choice all of the time, that is when caregivers and professionals need to make choices as to which is the best and most effective educational placement for their children. good luck with your paper…. these are my thoughts on inclusion

The importance of inclusion in the regular classroom is extensive and I will discuss on a few aspects. For one thing, if the committee has agreed that the student is ready for this change and the students is motivated to try this new environment for a particular class, (it can boosts the student’s self-esteem). Of
course, hopefully, modifications are in place that will also help the student to be successful.

As for myself, I push for a student being in an inclusion class even if I, alone, know that the student is ready for this placement. Most of the time, everyone I meet with agrees with me when I present the facts. I have called meetings myself, as soon as I know this, in order to bring this change about for a student. I think it is a unforgivable mistake, as an special educator who has a professional opinion, as well as possible facts, not to do this when a student is ready to have an opportunity to determine if success can be achieved in an inclusion class.

I have taught for many years and I have had classes that are self-contained in social studies, science, language arts, math, and biology. Even though I may use the same textbook as the regular classroom teacher, (the student in an inclusion class will be exposed to more of the subject matter due to the content
knowledge of the regular teacher). If a student is ready for this change, it is most beneficial because of this fact.

Of course, I must say MORE and toot my own horn. I feel I am able to help students learn content information in my small group classes due to the size of the class, my effort, specific learning strategies presented, the activities I plan, the repetition provided, the one-on-one ratio when needed, etc. BUT, if a
special education student can do this on their on with a few changes, GO FOR IT!

This year I have a special advantage that I have never had before. I have small group special education classes in language arts and social studies. I am also fortunate to be an inclusive teacher in the same subjects. This provides me with the best measuring stick available to know what goes on in the regular
classroom and what is expected of the students. I am also able to know more about content knowledge on the subject. When I recommend that a student be given this opportunity for an inclusion class, I have a great deal of information upon to base my recommendation.

I get a wonderful “HIGH-ON-LIFE” when I find out the next year how successful one of my former students is that was given this opportunity to be in an inclusion class. Many factors are involved in such a success though. This includes attitudes and motivations of those involved and individual modifications
that are in place. (For students to learn and realize that they are responsible for their learning and it is a major role to be played by them, being in an inclusion can become a stepping stone in their lives).

The special education teacher in an inclusion class has such a tremendous role to play, must be totally flexible, must be able to go the extra, extra mile and be willing to do everything possible in order to help a particular student to succeed. (A point is reached with some students in an inclusion class when they start taking over and the special educator steps back). Wow! Teachers who work together in inclusion classes strive for positive results in their students. If a student is not ready, of couse, this independenc may not happen. That is when a special educator has to ask many internal questions and deal with specific issues. I want even discuss this subject for now.

I have expressed some of my opinions on the importance of inclusion. I hope you are successful and get many responses from others, so that you can have an overall view. My opinions are based on my experiences as a special educator for more than 25 years and I have probably said more than I should
have. I am still there in the classroom working with students and going strong. Being an educator is one of my life’s challenges and treasures and I hope it is the same for you too. Good luck on your endeavors. Please feel free to email me: [email protected]. I am a seventh grade special education teacher in amiddle school in Marietta, Georgia.

Letty,

It is so refreashing to read such up beat comments in favor of inclusion when the time is right. Many comment that are posted make it sound like just too much trouble to have ld child in a reg. class.

What really needs to be understood is that a child’s self esteem is affected when they are in sped classes. No matter how wonderful the teacher is they learn early on that they are in what they think is a dumb class.