Premium Essay

Improve Classroom Inclusion

In:

Submitted By judym1
Words 878
Pages 4
How to Improve an Inclusion Classroom
Chapter I: Introduction
Problem
There are a lot of controversies about inclusion classrooms. Some believe inclusion means full inclusion, or a child being confined to a self-contained classroom. While others believe that inclusive classrooms welcomes all children, yet realize that for some students the general education placement may not be the best option. Since there are no specific guidelines that teachers and parents follow for an inclusion classroom, trial and error is very necessary to see what works.
Elements of the Problem
. Determination of necessary modifications and levels of support is not well defined or applied. Inclusion is a right, not a privilege for a select few (Judge in Oberti vs. Board of Education). Education is forever changing and there is a need for classrooms changes including joining together disabled and non- disabled children. Although many parents and teachers agree with this statement, the questions is how do we as a whole meaning the teachers, parents and support team go about improving an inclusion classroom?

How to Improve an Inclusion Classroom
Chapter II: Literature Review
Introduction
Inclusive education is about embracing all, making a commitment to do whatever it takes to provide each student in the community- and each citizen in a democracy- an inalienable right to belong, not excluded. Inclusion assumes that living and learning together is a better way that benefits everyone, not just children who are labeled as having a difference (Falvery, Givner& Kimm, 1995, p.8). Perhaps the most important of all, teacher beliefs in regard to changing the classroom and school learning environment is the notion that all children can learn. Implicit is the expectation that teachers will do everything they can to ensure that each and every student learns well.
Changing teaching

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Inclusion in the Classrrom

...Inclusion in the Classroom: The Teaching Methods Melady A. Sherrill ENG 102 07/10/2011 Heidi Ashbaugh Inclusion in the Classroom: The Teaching Methods Inclusion is the best way to meet the needs of all the children involved in a classroom setting. A teacher’s role and teaching methods need to change in an inclusion classroom. Inclusion provides the diversity of processing special education children in with the mainstream children to enrich the learning environment. Inclusion means the act or practice of including students with disabilities in regular school classes (Merriam Webster, 2011). Although research on the long term effects of inclusion may be sketchy, there is some evidence of the positive effects of inclusive education on the students who are not disabled. When the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandated that children with disabilities be educated with the children who did not have a disability, education in the United States changed (ED.gov). Before this act, few classrooms included students with disabilities. As late as the middle 1970s, an estimated one million children with disabilities did not even attend school (Inclusion Confusion, 1999). Special education changed with the passage of the 1975 Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and its 1997 amendments. This legislation moved children with special needs from their separate rooms into regular classrooms. To meet the demands of the IDEA, schools must provide students...

Words: 2035 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Inclusion

...Special Education Inclusion Jessica Thammavongsa Com/156 March 8, 2014 Diane Moore Special Education Inclusion The process towards inclusive educations is just that – a process. It can be a rewarding, yet challenging journey to create an educational system where excellence and equality walk hand in hand (Frost & Pearpoint, 2004). Throughout the last several years, the topic of inclusion has been at the epicenter of debate among educators, administrators, and parents. Inclusion remains a controversial concept because it relates to educational and social values, as well as to our understanding of personal worth ("Special Education Inclusion", 2001). Placing students with varying disabilities into regular education classrooms causes misunderstanding with educators and administrators on the advantages and disadvantages of inclusion. Inclusion is a "philosophy that brings students, families, educators, and community members together to create schools and other social institutions based on acceptance, belonging, and community."(Salend, 2001, p. 5) Inclusion is practiced in schools to establish collaborative, supportive, and nurturing environments for learners that are based on giving all students the services and accommodations that they need to learn, as well as respecting and learning from each other's individual differences. (Salend, 2001) Inclusion is not necessarily just focused on students with disabilities. When implemented correctly it is also designed...

Words: 1624 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Inclusion Classroom

...The Inclusion Classroom Sky King said, "Inclusion is as much about (special needs) kids reaching their potential as it is about [typical] kids reaching their compassion potential” (as cited in everyoneisincluded, 2012). This implies that inclusion in the classroom has the potential of benefitting both special-needs students along with typical students, and there is evidence that supports the idea. However, there is evidence to the contrary as well. The theme of the deliberation revolves around making the learning environment—for all—as advantageous as possible. Still, the debate continues as to whether or not the rewards of inclusion are worth the hypothetical negative consequences, potentially affecting the special-needs student, the typical student, and the teacher responsible for each. The Face of Inclusion Inclusion specifies that all children, regardless of disability, have a place within the typical classroom, if reasonably established as the least restrictive environment (LRE), mandated through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) (NDCCD). Inclusion really is not that simple though, as there are various forms of the practice. The primary recognized forms of inclusion are mainstreaming, partial inclusion, and full inclusion (Thomkins & Deloney, 1995). Mainstreaming refers mostly to the physical placement of special-needs students in the typical classroom, given minimal modifications, once the special-needs student proves capable...

Words: 717 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Inclusive Education

...Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is a progress; working together is success”. From here, the concept of inclusive education, including students with and without learning disabilities as peers in the same classroom, originated. The aim of this type of education is to get students with learning disabilities involved in the society. Teachers and fellow students will also provide help for students with disabilities; in this way, students with learning disabilities will be motivated to study as they feel that they are a part of a group instead of being isolated in special places. Thus, they will achieve higher grades. Moreover, they will be greatly engaged in the society as they are building bridges with their...

Words: 998 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Persuasive Essay On Inclusive Education

...inclusive education, including students with and without learning disabilities as peers in the same classroom, originated. The aim of this type of education is to get students with learning disabilities involved in the society. Teachers and fellow students will also provide help for students with disabilities; in this way, students with learning disabilities will be motivated to study as they feel that they are a part of a group instead of being isolated in special places. Thus, they will achieve higher grades. Moreover, they will be greatly engaged in the society as they are building bridges with their peers from several backgrounds. On the long run, teachers, parents, and the society as a whole would develop. Students with learning disabilities should be included in the “normal” classroom because it improves their...

Words: 965 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Benefits of Inclusion

...The Benefits of Inclusion for Exceptional Students George Santos Brandman University EDUU 511 Abstract Inclusion is a very controversial concept in education today. It is the idea of including special education students in a general education class. This class will provide the special education, or exceptional student, with the support and resources needed to succeed in that environment. This paper will analyze and discuss inclusion. Evidence and support will be provided to defend the position that inclusion provides benefits for both exceptional and non-disabled students. The Benefits of Inclusion for Exceptional Students One of the most controversial concepts in all of education is the concept of inclusion (Hallahan, Kauffman, & Pullen, 2012). Inclusion is the idea that a student with special needs, or an “exceptional student”, attend and is educated in the classroom that this student would normally attend if they were non-disabled. Erwin explains that "the true essence of inclusion is based on the premise that all individuals with disabilities have a right to be included in naturally occurring settings and activities with their neighborhood peers, siblings, and friends" (Erwin, 1993, p. 1). Inclusion includes the commitment to bring resources and services to the exceptional students as opposed to moving them to a segregated location that holds these services and resources (Lipsky & Gartner, 1994). Inclusion is the idea for exceptional students to begin...

Words: 2943 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Inclusion in the Classroom

...Topic: Inclusion in the classroom General Purpose: To give a general overview on the benefits of inclusion in the classroom. Specific Purpose: To persuade the general public that inclusion is best for special needs students. Central Idea: The No Child Left Behind Act is assuring that children with special needs achieve the education level they are capable of. I. Introduction A. Attention Getter: If you were the parent of a special needs child, wouldn’t you you expect the school system to provide the highest level of services available? B. Reveal Topic: Inclusion is a highly debated topic that most people don’t understand, including the parents of a special needs child. C. Credibility Statement: I am a special education inclusion teacher that witnesses the positive effects of inclusion first hand. D. Listener Relevance Link: The NCLB Act could one day affect you or your loved ones. E. Central Idea: The No Child Left Behind Act is assuring that children with special needs achieve the education level they are capable of. F. Preview Main Points: Tonight I will show that the benefits of inclusion far out- weigh the negatives. II. Body A. Main Point I: Mainstreaming is designed for children with disabilities to become involved more with the regular population. Students that are usually in self contained classrooms are allowed to take classes with the regular population. However the regular education students are aware of who these students are and...

Words: 665 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Full Inclusion in the Classroom

...Full Inclusion is the theory that children with disabilities, particularly those with learning disabilities, should be placed in regular classrooms full time. It refers to the movement that all students with disabilities, regardless of type or severity, are educated full time in a general education classroom and program. This method would allow disabled children to make friends with “normal” children and be given the opportunity to learn in a stimulating environment, where they can get the “real world” education that they will need to be able to fit into society and flourish as productive members. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, students with special needs are entitled to a full, free, public education in regular educational programs and settings. The inclusion classroom would provide exactly that, a setting for these students to interact with their peers of all ability levels, thus most accurately mirroring the real world outside of school. At current most schools in the United States do not use the method of full inclusion. The current trend in education is to use either mainstreaming or what is considered the least restrictive environment (Feldman 273). Mainstreaming refers to the practice of educating students with special needs in regular classes during specific time periods based on their skills. This means regular education classes are combined with special education classes. Least Restrictive Environment refers to the concept that children with...

Words: 2431 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Inclusion

...I found this information to be interesting Team Benefits of Inclusion for Students With Disabilities 1. Friendships 2. Increased social initiations, relationships and networks 3. Peer role models for academic, social and behavior skills 4. Increased achievement of  IEP goals 5. Greater access to general curriculum 6. Enhanced skill acquisition and generalization 7. Increased inclusion in future environments 8. Greater opportunities for interactions 9. Higher expectations 10. Increased school staff collaboration 11. Increased parent participation 12. Families are more integrated into community From Regular Education  . Not everyone is excited about bringing students with disabilities into the mainstream classroom setting. Tornillo (1994), president of the Florida Education Association United, is concerned that inclusion, as it all too frequently is being implemented, leaves classroom teachers without the resources, training, and other supports necessary to teach students with disabilities in their classrooms. Consequently, "the disabled children are not getting appropriate, specialized attention and care, and the regular students' education is disrupted constantly." He further argues that inclusion does not make sense in light of pressures from state legislatures and the public at large to develop higher academic standards and to improve the academic achievement of students. Lieberman (1992) agrees:We are testing more, not less. We are locking teachers...

Words: 1622 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Topical Reference List

...Topical Reference List: Inclusion of Autism Spectrum Disorder Students Lindsey Liermann Liberty University Abstract This paper includes a reference list of literature relating to components of successful inclusion for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In general, the literature seems to indicate what practices are effective for successfully including ASD students with typical peers, as well as, if inclusion is right for all ASD students. The literature includes evidence that the different components support students’ progress in general education settings. More empirical data needs to be collected to see if different components work for all students with Autism Spectrum Disorder while with typical peers. Keywords: students with ASD, inclusion, typical peers, successful strategies, perceptions of inclusion, support, and modification for students. Topical Reference List: Inclusion of Autism Spectrum Disorder Students Until recently, the common practice was to pull children with Autism or other disabilities out of regular education classrooms for majority of the day or even have them completely segregated. It seemed more efficient to provide specialized instruction in separate classrooms where children with Autism could received individualized attention without having to alter the mainstream curriculum that typical peers received. But, different practices were proposed in the 1980’s for greater efforts to “include”...

Words: 2199 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Behavior Reduction Strategies

...and Managing Engaging Learning Environments September 23, 2014 Introduction Getting students to follow your rules and expectations can be a task. Coming up with different strategies at the beginning of the school year and implementing them in the classroom can be very effective. The author has created a chart that will show different strategies for implementing rules and procedures. Behavior Reduction Strategies Table Research topic | Findings | Reference citation | Strategies used to prevent inappropriate behavior | Be assertive, be aware of how you speak to students, use rewards, create activities, and maintain a positive classroom environment. Assertiveness is the ability to stand up for one’s legitimate rights in ways that help ensure that others cannot ignore or circumvent them (Evertson & Emmer, 2013, p. 165). The way we speak to students can have a significant effect on how they respond to us and by using positive and supportive language the students will have more respect for the teacher (Unknown, 2003). | Evertson, C. M., & Emmer, E. T. (2013). Monitoring Student Behavior. In Classroom management for elementary teachers. Boston: Pearson. Unknown. (2003). Preventing Inappropriate Behavior in the Classroom (Master's thesis, CQ University Rockhampton, Rockhampton QLD, Australia). Retrieved from http://positivebehaviourmanagementplan.weebly.com/focus-on-preventing-inappropriate-behavior.html | Strategies used to respond to inappropriate behavior | Identify...

Words: 737 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Inclusion

...Understanding the Doctoral Research Process Inclusion is one of the approaches used by educators in a variety of educational challenges faced by children diagnosed with one or more disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to design a research structure that will critique the effectiveness of the educational approach of inclusion as a means to address the needs of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In observing students who are a part of the inclusive environment, it is evident that they benefit from social encounters however, in observing their academic progress, in such areas as analysis and critical thinking; it becomes clear that it is important to reevaluate the total inclusion experience. In understanding inclusion, one must become familiar with its definition. Inclusion is an educational approach whereby special need children are integrated with nondisabled children in the general education setting. In recent educational development and over the past 20 year’s inclusion as an exclusive tool for disseminating education has been called into question. As teachers face countless challenges in providing instruction to children diagnosed with autism, so do these children find it difficult to learn, to process and retain the information? In my professional experience and interactions with educators, it has been concluded that considerable work is needed in regards to reaching these students cognitively in the inclusive environment. As an experienced and...

Words: 616 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Inclusions In A School Setting

...There are numerous pros and cons of inclusions in a school setting. A benefit of inclusion in a school or classroom setting is that it gives that child with a disability an opportunity to interact with his/her peers, improve social skills, create friendships, and even learn certain behaviors from children around them without disabilities. A disadvantage of inclusion is that children who may have certain types of disabilities can look profoundly different or exhibit certain types of behaviors and have outbursts. Other children in that setting may misunderstand the disability or become uncomfortable or frustrated by some of these characteristics that are exhibited. This could lead to the child getting teased or being punished for their behaviors...

Words: 458 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Inclusion

...inclusive educational. | | Who is your Audience? | My ideal audience for my informative speech would be parents and family members of children with disabilities, and regular and special education educators. Administrators from the school district should be present as well. I feel that advocacy groups that help parents with resources would benefit as well as Lawyers of Special Education Law. | | Why is your topic significant to your Audience? | This topic is very significant to this intended audience because as children with disabilities begin in the educational setting, parents as well as educators need to know all the benefits that are available when placed in a inclusive classroom. Administrators of the school district need to be aware of benefits in case they currently are implementing inclusion in their school. Advocates need to be aware of what is available for parents so they can give them guidance and support when needed and help parents navigate which way to go in regards to their specific situation and needs. | | | | | Attention GetterThesis StatementPreview of Main Points | INTRODUCTIONA. “Special Education placement for students with disabilities has failed to demonstrate substantive advantages over regular classes. Special Education has not...

Words: 1184 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Misconceptions Of Segregated Schools

...Multicultural education is a complex approach to teaching and learning that includes the movement toward equity in schools and classrooms, the transformation of the curriculum, the process of becoming multicultural competent, and the commitment to address societal injustices. What types of schools are offering multicultural education in the classroom? Segregated schools are bad, desegregated schools are good. The reason for this is that segregated schools have unequal opportunity than desegregated schools. Multicultural education is a term that causes conflicts. Teachers shy away from the use of this word because of the misconception it brings. One of the misconceptions that it brings, is that it has been believed to be harmful to the unity...

Words: 953 - Pages: 4