Summary
Inclusion in Education refers to providing equal access and opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. It emerged from the context of special education and initially focused on integrating students with special needs into general education classrooms using individualized education programs. The philosophy behind inclusion prioritizes social benefits for both students with and without disabilities, as it allows peer modeling and encourages empathy.
Implementation of Inclusion
Schools typically adopt a range of inclusion models, with fully inclusive schools offering no separate programs for students with disabilities. However, some educators argue that full inclusion is not always feasible for students with significant disabilities, who may benefit from specialized support and services.
Principles and Resources
While inclusion has been praised for its potential to improve achievement and reduce costs, it requires adequate resources and support, including well-designed individualized education programs, professional development for teachers, reduced class sizes, and access to therapies and adaptive equipment.
Common Practices
Inclusionary classrooms prioritize fostering community and social interaction through games, group assignments, and discussions that focus on individual differences and strengths. Teachers use various team-teaching models to provide support and facilitate learning for students with a range of needs.
Children with Extensive Support Needs
For students with severe disabilities, comprehensive health supports are necessary to provide specialized services, such as positioning and lifting, direct one-to-one aides, and assistive technology. These supports aim to promote inclusion and ensure that these students receive appropriate education and services.
Fully Inclusive Schools and General or Special Education Policies
Fully inclusive schools eliminate the distinction between general and special education programs, restructuring the school to accommodate all students. Inclusion remains an important aspect of educational reform and is supported by international conventions and research demonstrating its benefits for students with and without disabilities.
Alternatives to Inclusion
For students who cannot be effectively accommodated in a fully inclusive setting, alternative options include mainstreaming (placing students with disabilities in regular classes for most of the day) and segregation (attending specialized schools or classrooms).
Gender-Sensitive and LGBTQ-Inclusive Curricula
Inclusion extends beyond students with disabilities to address issues of gender and sexual orientation. Gender-sensitive curricula acknowledge the diverse learning needs of girls and boys, while LGBTQ-inclusive curricula promote positive representations and support for LGBTQ students.
Social and Cultural Inclusion
Inclusion also encompasses the broader goal of creating inclusive school environments for marginalized groups, such as religious, racial, ethnic, and linguistic minorities. It emphasizes cultural responsiveness and the need to adapt education to meet the unique needs of diverse learners.
Legal Issues
The concept of inclusion is enshrined in international law, which prohibits discrimination and advocates for equitable education systems for all students. The principle of the "least restrictive environment" encourages the placement of students in the most integrated setting possible, while recent rulings have stressed the importance of providing the "most integrated setting."
Inclusion Rates
The proportion of students with disabilities who are included varies significantly depending on the location and type of disability. In some countries, over 90% of students with learning disabilities are placed in general education classrooms, while in others, the percentage is much lower.
Collaboration among the Professions
Collaboration among professionals is crucial for the success of inclusion. Occupational therapists, for example, work with classroom teachers to develop strategies and support students with fine motor difficulties.
Co-Design in Education
Co-design involves involving users in the design process to create more effective products or solutions. In education, co-designing with students and teachers can result in more accommodating and inclusive learning experiences.
Selection of Students for Inclusion
Educators generally agree that some students with special needs are not suitable candidates for full inclusion. Factors to consider include the severity of the disability, the student's ability to attend school, and the potential impact on other students.
Arguments for Full Inclusion
Advocates for full inclusion argue that non-inclusion is unacceptable, as it reduces the social and academic opportunities for students with disabilities. They believe that the social benefits of inclusion outweigh any potential challenges to the education of students without disabilities.
Positive Effects of Inclusion
Research has shown positive effects of inclusion for students with disabilities, including improved academic outcomes, social skills, and communication. Students without disabilities also benefit through the development of positive attitudes towards and empathy for people with disabilities.
Criticism
Some critics argue that full inclusion may not be appropriate for all students with disabilities, as they may require specialized support and instruction that cannot be provided in a general education classroom. They also raise concerns about the potential negative impact on the academic progress of students without disabilities.
Differing Views Among Education Experts
Experts in education hold diverse views on inclusion, with some believing it is the best approach for all students and others advocating for a more individualized approach that considers the specific needs of each student.
Negative Student Accounts of Inclusion
Studies have shown that some students with exceptionalities still face social rejection and isolation in inclusive settings, indicating that more work is needed to create truly equitable and inclusive environments.
Criticisms of Inclusion Programs
Critics argue that full and partial inclusion programs often fail to provide adequate individualized support for students with significant disabilities. They also express concerns about the lack of preparation for general education teachers and the potential for inclusion to become a cost-cutting measure at the expense of students' educational needs.
Relationship to Progressive Education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Inclusion aligns with progressive education principles that emphasize active learning and individualized instruction. UDL is a pedagogical practice that focuses on removing barriers to learning for students of all abilities, complementing the goals of inclusion.
Importance of Inclusivity
Creating inclusive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of all students is essential for promoting equity, fostering social justice, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.