Special Education Inclusion: Pros Vs. Cons By Lauren Lipoma & Cassie Schwarz

What is Inclusion? Special Education Inclusion – The Legislative Focus Since 1975, “Special Education Inclusion” has been a primary goal of federal education legislation. In 1990, the original law was expanded and renamed the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” (IDEA). Inclusion is an approach to educating students with special education needs. Under the inclusion model, students spend most or all of their time with non-disabled students. The primary goal of this expanded statute was to offer special education students practical, results-oriented access to the public education system.

Success of IDEA The IDEA was successful in providing special education inclusion to many students with significant disabilities. Public schools were required to provide practical services such as interpreters for the deaf or computer-assisted technology for the physically handicapped. *These children were spending time in regular classrooms and developing relationships with non-special needs students.

The pros and cons of special education inclusion have been debated since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was mandated in 1975. Although support for inclusion of children with disabilities in regular education gains momentum, research lags behind. The best available information comes from the follow-up studies of high school graduates. The data suggests that inclusion in general education classes, especially in vocational education courses, is associated with improved post-school outcomes.

What has Research Shown? Although research on the long-term effects of inclusion may be sketchy, there is some evidence of the positive effects of inclusive education on students who do not have disabilities. Research and anecdotal data have shown that typical learners have demonstrated a greater acceptance and valuing of individual differences, enhanced self-esteem, a genuine capacity for friendship, and the acquisition of new skills (LearningRX).

Assessment The pros and cons of special education inclusion are centered on who should be served. Inclusion is more than one-size-fits-all. It should fit the blind, autistic, those with poor social skills, etc. An effective inclusion program works because of a support system and strong structure. Research suggests that effective schools are not inclined to ship difficult kids out but try to develop ways to meet their needs in the school. The view of the faculty is that all students, including those with the most significant disabilities, should participate in the general education curriculum. What changes is how instruction is designed for students and the types of supports they are provided.

Action Teachers need to be trained properly. There is a need for well-trained general educators who have deep knowledge about subject areas and special educators who have expertise in effective instruction for students with disabilities. There is a common core of knowledge that all teachers should have to work effectively in inclusive schools. (LearningRX).

Pros of Inclusion: Children with Special Needs Role models who facilitate communication, social and adaptive behaviors. Learn motor, communication and other skills in natural settings. More stimulating environments and greater access to general curriculum. Getting a variety of class schedule gives them skills and knowledge they may not have received outside an inclusion class. Opportunities to make new friends and share new experiences. Membership/Sense of purpose or belonging in the classroom and school. Helps them to become more creative by seeing the ideas of others.

Pros of Inclusion: Children without Special Needs More accepting of individual differences. More comfortable with children who have learning disabilities. Acquire leadership skills. Opportunities to master activities by practicing and teaching others Improved self-esteem. Diversity of friendships. Encourages cooperation and tolerance. Prepares all students for adult life in an inclusive society.

Pros of Inclusion: Teachers Awareness and appreciation of individual differences in all children. Access to specialists and resources to help all children. Increased school staff collaboration Learn new teaching techniques that can help all children. More understanding of child development. Work with more diverse group of children. Teachers may have to learn to use different approaches in order to get the information across to everybody so they can comprehend it.

Pros of Inclusion: Parents More encouraged to actively participate in community. Awareness of disabilities. Knowledge of typical development. Ability to receive additional help, instruction and information. http://xruffrydr9.tripod.com/inclusiontherightanswer/id17.html

Cons of Inclusion Teacher time is taken away from the other students in the inclusive classroom. Some teachers lack the training, resources and other necessary supports to teach students with disabilities.  Older teachers may be used to working alone so they may not be opened to a true co-teaching environment. Teachers have to take more time when planning lessons in order to adapt the lesson to the student or students with special needs.

Cons of Inclusion: Cont. Classroom management is harder because of the addition of more students. Any students with disruptive behavior may cause a distraction to other students Special needs students may not feel comfortable because they are different than the other students. http://xruffrydr9.tripod.com/inclusiontherightanswer/id18.html

“Children that learn together…learn to live together” Inclusion is a learning experience and parents, teachers and administrators must work together. Depending on the child’s disability, it may be to severe for him/her to be included in the general education classroom. “Children that learn together…learn to live together” ~ Author Unknown

Inclusion: Yes or No? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq6BnMmXhc4&feature=related

References (2011)Retrieved on June 16 from: http://www.learningrx.com/pros-cons-of-special-education-inclusion-faq.html.  (2011) Retrieved on June 16 from: http://xruffrydr9.tripod.com/inclusiontherightanswer/id17.html. YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq6BnMmXhc4&feature=related