Inclusion Not Always the Answer

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In 2004 the federal government reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or (IDEA), which was originally established in 1975. Under the legislation, all students, including those with mental, physical and emotional disabilities, are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (“Education Commission of the States”, 2013). Since the implementation of the act many issues have arisen concerning special education programs in America’s public schools. One of the most important issues in special education is segregation. Segregation is the separation of individuals or groups of children (Reynolds, 1962). Many people argue that it is best for students with disabilities, special needs, and/or disadvantages to be taught in separate environments than “regular” or “gifted” students, while some say that the separation is holding these children back. There are a variety of programs that comprise special education and they vary `based on the needs of individual children, and the type of school itself. There are four main types of special education classrooms, and each has its supporters and critics, but all that matters is what makes the most sense for each child, because every child is different. There are inclusion classes, resource rooms, self-contained classes, and out of district placements. Many teachers and parents of special ed. students debate over the effectiveness of these different types of classrooms, especially between inclusive and self-contained classrooms. Upon first glance an inclusion classroom may seem to be the same as a regular education classroom, but there are some significant differences. Normally a regular education teacher and a special education teacher who work together teach the inclus... ... middle of paper ... ...ion. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.ecs.org/html/issue.asp?issueid=112 Glade, J. (2012, December 12). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Resource. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Resource. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://wwwbenifitsofresource.blogspot.com Reynolds, M. C. (n.d.). A Framework for Considering Some Issues in Special Education. mn.gov. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://mn.gov/web/prod/static/mnddc/live/past/pdf/60s/62/62-FCS-MCR.pdf The Benefits of an Inclusion Classroom. (2008, November 4). School Psychologist Files. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.schoolpsychologistfiles.com/2008/11/the-benefits-of-an-inclusion-classroom.html What is Asperger's Syndrome? Symptoms, tests, Causes, Treatments. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome

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