Inclusion in the Classroom

1. Inclusion in the Classroom Why it is Important and the Special Stories Behind it

2. INCLUSION… • is the practice of educating children with disabilities in the regular classroom • makes the classroom a place for all students regardless of ability • provides all students with the opportunity to interact with others who may be different, like they will have to in the real world • gives each student the ability to succeed • is more than a program, it is the right to belong

3. Pros and Cons of Inclusion Cons • lack of trained teachers • time taken away from other students • lack of funding • adds to teacher stress Pros • includes everyone • real world experiences • helps with social skills • helps with communication skills

4. Children served with Inclusion Students who have • Autism • ADD/ADHD • Deafness • Blindness • Cerebral Palsy • Down Syndrome • Emotional Disturbances • Behavioral Disturbances • Learning Disabilities • Normal ability • Gifted and Talented • Others…

5. Children of Inclusion

6. Meet the Students Kacie was in special skills classes until her freshman year. Her mother, with much anxiety, placed her daughter with down syndrome in a Inclusive classroom with students her own age. Three short Kacie went to prom and graduated with her friends just as any normal senior in high school would. As she walked across the stage, Kacie threw her hands up and the crowd rose to their feet. Kacie was not only graduating but graduating with life long memories and friends.

7. Meet the Students Traviscame home from school with a exciting news. He was voted by the student council to become a member. Known by his friends as the “King,” Travis, a 3rd grader who has Down Syndrome, was honored to represent his school. Travis was required to meet the same goals as his fellow council members. He partcipated in every activity that the other members did. Travis did it all on his own, he did not have a paraprofessional assist him at while he was with the council. The faculty advisor for the student council, who nominated him for the position, was one of Travis’ general education teachers. With the support of his teacher who had experience working with Travis and assistance from the other students, he was able to do well in council. He had the chance to meet other students in his school, and the other students had the opportunity to get to know him too. The other members enjoyed having him on the council. His mom said, “When we were around town, students knew Travis and they would all say hi and ask him how he was doing. It was great that he had the opportunity to be included in this activity.”

8. Meet the Students Eric was diagnosed at the age of five with autism. His parents were told that he that he would never be able to speak as well as the possibility that he would end up institutionalized before adulthood. Although the diagnoses was grim, Eric’s parents never lost hope. They decided to take matters into their own hands. Along with many types of therapies, his parents put him in the regular classroom to learn with the other students on their level. Many years later, Eric graduated high school as Salutatorian and is fluent in Spanish. During his speech Eric announced that he was heading to college to study biology. He then exclaimed “I don’t think this was the kind of institute they were talking about. But I guess they were right." He is not only an example of students learning in an Inclusion setting, he is an inspiration to all students.

9. Opposing Arguments There are clearly two sides to the Inclusion debate. Although we believe strongly that Inclusion is the best option for special needs students, there are many that disagree. Opponents to inclusion argue that this approach is not in the best interest of the students. They believe that teachers may not be sufficiently trained to offer the appropriate types of education for the special needs of disabled students. Additionally, many opponents feel that the teachers may have to sacrifice instruction with other students. This is believed to hinder the education for all students. Another argument against Inclusion is that the needs of some students may limit their ability to learn in the regular classroom setting. Even though there are understandable concerns with Inclusion and how it would be maintained, the fact is that the benefits out weigh any opposing views. Segregation of a student because of a disability is not the answer to these concerns. Children deserve the opportunity to learn together and feel as they all belong.

10. “No Child Left Behind....Inclusion for all Special Needs Children is Important and Valued”This is our billboard for PR

11. References • http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Ministry-curriculum-guides/NZC-Updates/Issue-18-March-2012 • http://www.ehow.com/info_8498143_proponents-theories-inclusive-education.html • http://www.schools.manatee.k12.fl.us/641KSCHAU/641kschau2/k-2_inclusion.html • http://www.educationmatters.ca/Default.aspx?cid=5-19-222 • http://www.cpacinc.org/hot-topics/inclusion/inclusion-success-stories/ • http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/inspirational-story-child-with-autism/ • http://www.reference.com/motif/education/arguments-against-inclusion-in-the-classroom