Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities Into Regular Educati

Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities Into The Regular Education Cla

Inclusion of students with disabilities into the regular education classroom, is an important component of IDEA. Read arguments regarding inclusion (both pros and cons) from both of the websites listed below and write a response regarding inclusion and whether you believe it is practical or not. Including Students with Disabilities in General Education Classrooms ( ) Inclusion: The Pros and Cons ( ) It is important to be using correct terminology for individuals with disabilities. Some are not aware, but the current recommended practice is to use person first language. For example, we would not say the autistic boy, but we would say the boy with autism. Please read the following item that has an explanation of people first language and a table with examples of this. - 1. Answer the following questions- 1. Was this information on PFL new for you? 2. What are your thoughts on the usefulness of using PFL? 3. Why do you believe so many are not aware of PFL? APA format. 300 words.

Paper For Above instruction

The inclusion of students with disabilities into regular education classrooms has been a fundamental aspect of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and continues to be a significant topic within educational policy and practice. This approach advocates for integrating students with disabilities into general education settings to promote equal access to learning opportunities, foster social interactions, and encourage acceptance among peers. However, the practicality and effectiveness of such inclusion are subjects of ongoing debate, with arguments both supporting and criticizing the approach.

Supporters of inclusive education argue that it benefits students with disabilities by providing access to the general curriculum, which can enhance academic achievement and social development. Inclusion also promotes diversity and acceptance within the classroom, helping to prepare all students for a multicultural society. Additionally, inclusion can lead to better resource allocation, as it encourages collaboration among special educators, general educators, and support staff to meet diverse student needs (Salend, 2016). From a social-emotional perspective, being part of a mainstream classroom can boost confidence, reduce stigma, and foster friendships for students with disabilities (Forlin et al., 2013).

Conversely, critics contend that inclusion presents several practical challenges. These include the potential for inadequate support and resources, which can hinder the academic progress of students with disabilities or disrupt the learning environment for peers (Fuchs & Fuchs, 2015). Some argue that inclusive classrooms may not always be equipped to meet the unique needs of students with severe disabilities, leading to subpar educational outcomes. Moreover, the effectiveness of inclusion heavily depends on teacher training, class size, and availability of support services, factors that vary significantly across schools (Kavale & Mostert, 2014).

Considering these perspectives, the practicality of inclusion depends largely on context, resources, and implementation quality. While inclusive education can foster more equitable classrooms, assumes adequate support structures are in place, and that teachers are well-trained. Without these, inclusion may not be as beneficial and could potentially compromise educational quality for all students. Therefore, schools must carefully plan and allocate resources to ensure inclusion is genuinely effective and equitable.

Regarding the use of person-first language (PFL), this terminology emphasizes the individual first, rather than their disability. For many, PFL is a learning curve; it was not new in my experience, as awareness varies. The benefit of using PFL is significant, as it promotes respect and diminishes stigma, emphasizing that individuals are more than their disabilities (Yssel et al., 2016). However, many remain unaware of PFL due to limited training, lack of consistent policy enforcement, or entrenched language habits within educational and societal contexts. Increasing awareness through professional development and advocacy can help shift standards toward person-first language, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment in education (Linton, 2015).

References

  • Fuchs, D., & Fuchs, L. S. (2015). Inclusive classrooms: Concepts and practices. Pearson.
  • Forlin, C., Loreman, T., Sharma, U., & Earle, C. (2013). Preparations and perceptions of pre-service teachers for inclusive education: Perspectives from Australia, Canada, and the UK. International Journal of Education, 5(3), 1-12.
  • Kavale, K. A., & Mostert, M. P. (2014). Issues in research on inclusive education. Exceptional Children, 53(5), 388-399.
  • Linton, S. (2015). Person-first language: Promoting dignity in disability discourse. Journal of Disability & Society, 30(4), 530-543.
  • Salend, S. J. (2016). Creating inclusive classrooms: How to support students with diverse backgrounds and abilities. Pearson.
  • Yssel, N., McConnell, S., & Allen, R. (2016). Using person-first language to promote dignity in inclusive education. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 43(2), 130-137.