Pros and Cons of Inclusion
Abstract
Inclusion is a subject that has polarized educators since the inception of legislation to govern special education. Proponents of inclusion are concerned with the high cost of special education, promoting the "least restrictive environment" and educational equality in the classroom. Opponents believe there are not enough resources, materials, and time for teachers to take on special education in the classroom. They also believe teachers lack the skills necessary to make "accommodations" in the classroom. This only causes social strife among the "regular" students.
The pros and cons of inclusion present a wide spectrum of viewpoints and philosophy. According to the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), Inclusion is a term, which expresses commitment to educate each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, in the school and classroom he or she would otherwise attend. It involves bringing the support services to the child (rather than moving the child to the services) and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class (rather than having to keep up with the other students). Full inclusion means that all students, regardless of handicapping condition or severity, will be in a regular classroom/program full time. All services must be taken to the student in that setting. Two federal laws govern the education of children with disabilities. Neither requires inclusion, but both require that a significant effort be made to find an inclusive placement. The first is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended in 1997, does not require inclusion. In fact, there is no mention of the word inclusion in this document. The term "least restrictive environment, indicates the regular classroom environment. The other law is called Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Under Section 504, the recipients of federal funds for education must provide education for each qualified handicapped person in its
Inclusion is a subject that has polarized educators since the inception of legislation to govern special education. Proponents of inclusion are concerned with the high cost of special education, promoting the "least restrictive environment" and educational equality in the classroom. Opponents believe there are not enough resources, materials, and time for teachers to take on special education in the classroom. They also believe teachers lack the skills necessary to make "accommodations" in the classroom. This only causes social strife among the "regular" students.
The pros and cons of inclusion present a wide spectrum of viewpoints and philosophy. According to the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), Inclusion is a term, which expresses commitment to educate each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, in the school and classroom he or she would otherwise attend. It involves bringing the support services to the child (rather than moving the child to the services) and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class (rather than having to keep up with the other students). Full inclusion means that all students, regardless of handicapping condition or severity, will be in a regular classroom/program full time. All services must be taken to the student in that setting. Two federal laws govern the education of children with disabilities. Neither requires inclusion, but both require that a significant effort be made to find an inclusive placement. The first is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended in 1997, does not require inclusion. In fact, there is no mention of the word inclusion in this document. The term "least restrictive environment, indicates the regular classroom environment. The other law is called Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Under Section 504, the recipients of federal funds for education must provide education for each qualified handicapped person in its
References: American Federation of Teachers (AFT) "Resolution on Inclusion of Students with Disabilities", 1994 Cleveland Catalyst, May, 2002 "Two parents: Two points of View, The Pros and Cons of Inclusion Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Pros and Cons of Inclusion. Retrieved May 16, 2005 from (http://ericec.org/faq/i-procon.html) Edmunds, Alan - The University of Western Ontario, "Substantive Changes in Teachers ' Roles and Developing Inclusive Practices in Nova Scotia Schools", 2000. Retrieved May 16, 2005 from http://www.isec2000.org.uk/abstracts/papers_e/edmunds_1.htm Nicole St. George & Christine Goodwin, The Cons of Inclusion. Retrieved May 15, 2005 from http://www-pub.naz.edu:9000/~cigoodwi/The_Cons_Of_Inclusion.pdf Preventing School Failure, v.45 issue 1, 2000, p. 8-14. The Role of General Educators in Successful Inclusion Programs: A literature Review Laura O 'Donnell (RGESIP 1996) http://www.coe.ilstu.edu/jabraun/students/laodonn/Litrev.html Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC, 1996)