Inclusion In Classroom

The issue of inclusion for students with special needs has been a continuing debate with advocates for it, against it, and the rest somewhere in between. No two special needs students ' are alike, which adds to the difficulty of structuring a successful program. The program requires the special needs teachers and general education teachers to restructure their classroom to provide accommodations among the teachers, students, parents, and the learning institution. The term inclusion is an anomaly of its own. The questions range from what does inclusion mean to whether the inclusion of special needs students should be full-time or part-time. Implementing a legal structure to educate children with disabilities is one of the first steps for determining …show more content…
The social benefits of inclusion, and the opportunities, inclusive classrooms provide for these interactions, include not only direct social skills and outcomes (such as pragmatic language development, a sense of belonging, and friendships), but also more indirect outcomes such as happiness, self-concept development, and positive behavioral changes.6 I have also witnessed special needs students included in proper inclusion courses gain a higher level of confidence. In contrast to the math class, the same student participated in an inclusionary science course. This class was group oriented and practiced a hands-on approach. The teacher gave the instructions, but the students assisted each other. The projects required the students to form groups, problem solve, and design and build structures. In this setting, the general students were enthusiastic to help the special needs student and the latter was more than receptive. Children learn by being together in a stimulating environment. They talk more, laugh more, and feel like they are a part of something important. In Sacramento v. Board of Education, the court found evidence that the non-academic benefits indicated development in social communication skills as well as self confidence from placement in a regular class.7 In his science class, this student was not only learning but developing relationships outside of his comfort zone …show more content…
There are also various ways that students with disabilities can be included with the general population. What is certain is that students with disabilities need to be assimilated in some way with general students because the benefits are numerous and life-changing. Full-time inclusion courses for students with special needs are not beneficial if the student struggles in particular courses. The most successful courses are the one’s where special needs students academically perform the strongest. The inclusive courses that are interactive and based on a hands-on approach are more conducive to a successful integration into regular courses for special needs students. The benefits of inclusion are not only for the student with a disability but also for those without one. Inclusion teaches general education students to appreciate and understand others who are different from them. When a special needs student is improperly placed in a regular class this message is lost. An example of that problem looks like this: The special needs student walks in his math class along with his supplements and his personal aide. They sit in the back of the class so as not to disturb the other students when the personal aid has to re-explain the information the teacher just taught. The special needs student works diligently, yet alone. When the teacher calls on him with a feeble attempt to include him in the class