Inclusive Education

Inclusive Special Education

Laquana Richmond

Liberty University

Abstract

This paper includes a detailed evaluation of the pros and cons of inclusive education as well as an analysis of developmental theories that are related to the success that special education students have in an inclusive classroom as compared to a self-contained special education classroom. This includes an evaluation of the articles that promote the use of inclusion in school systems as well as articles that refute the benefits of inclusive education. In general, the theoretical basis of the delivery of special educational curriculums is an issue that affects many countries. There continue to be questions concerning the theoretical framework and benefits of inclusive in not only the United States but also in European, Asian, and some African countries.

Keywords: inclusive education, special education, exceptional children, inclusion, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

Inclusive Special Education

Many research studies have been conducted to determine the benefits of inclusion in the classroom. This includes several case studies that included not only the special education students but also the special education teachers. The question still remains unanswered as to if the idea of inclusion as a way to stop the labeling and discrimination of students who require special educational curriculums or if inclusion is a forced environment for exceptional students that is setting them up for failure. No apparent research has been conducted to evaluate the success that special education students have in an inclusive classroom as compared to a self-contained special education classroom and the conflicting opinions about its’ success. There has been previous research that promotes the use of inclusion in school systems as well as research that refutes the benefits of inclusive education. In general, the

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