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Inclusive Education: My Thoughts
Education is a fundamental right for students in this country (and SHOULD be for all human beings in the world) and students with high needs and disabilities are no exception to this. All students have the right and the ability to learn, and should be given the opportunity to do so with as little time away from peers and the regular education setting as their disability will allow.
As teachers, this can definitely present its challenges. When planning, it can feel like I am making 22 different lesson plans for 22 different children. Sometimes, it is exactly that. But...these students absolutely deserve the best I can help them achieve. I meet students where they are. Ability levels in a classroom are always diverse, no matter who is enrolled. Everyone has different life experiences and family lives as well. These are all factors in how a person learns. Inclusion can be tough and may seem impossible, but it is critical. Not only for those who are dealing with disabilities and limitations, but also for those who are in regular education settings. Equality in education is not about making everything equal for every student. Equality in education is actually more about giving children opportunities for success and to reach their own personal potential. Is it more work for teachers? Almost always. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Am I saying that all students need to be mainstreamed into the regular education classroom even if they are disrupting the learning of the other students. No...sometimes school districts and teachers feel that inclusive education means meeting the needs of the struggling children at the expense of the rest. I do not believe that is ever a good idea. It is such a fine line...a balancing act even. Knowing what is appropriate and the best environment for high need students can be very tricky.
In my classroom, I tell the students "We give kids what they need" and they are aware that every kid does not need the same things as every other kid. They really embrace this, and seem very understanding and help one another. We are a family. I have several students with limitations academically, socially and behaviorally. 3 of my students are on target behavior sheets, one student walks with me in the halls as my partner, one student dictates to me what his journals will say as we write hand over hand. In kindergarten, many of the accommodations are simple, but necessary to give students the opportunities for success. I have a student with autism, a student who is diagnosed bi-polar, and a student who has screened very low for language processing. 3 of my students also are on IEP's for articulation. In the past, many of these students would have been placed in isolation or special classrooms and never experience anything with peers in a regular education classroom. That is simply not acceptable, and I am so happy the bar has been raised and that school systems and educators are doing more to help these students achieve.
To me, inclusive education is not about strict equality for every learner. It is about each person learning all they can in the least restrictive environment and reaching their highest potential. It is the responsibility of the schools and teachers as well as families to advocate for students to get them what they need as learners.
As teachers, this can definitely present its challenges. When planning, it can feel like I am making 22 different lesson plans for 22 different children. Sometimes, it is exactly that. But...these students absolutely deserve the best I can help them achieve. I meet students where they are. Ability levels in a classroom are always diverse, no matter who is enrolled. Everyone has different life experiences and family lives as well. These are all factors in how a person learns. Inclusion can be tough and may seem impossible, but it is critical. Not only for those who are dealing with disabilities and limitations, but also for those who are in regular education settings. Equality in education is not about making everything equal for every student. Equality in education is actually more about giving children opportunities for success and to reach their own personal potential. Is it more work for teachers? Almost always. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Am I saying that all students need to be mainstreamed into the regular education classroom even if they are disrupting the learning of the other students. No...sometimes school districts and teachers feel that inclusive education means meeting the needs of the struggling children at the expense of the rest. I do not believe that is ever a good idea. It is such a fine line...a balancing act even. Knowing what is appropriate and the best environment for high need students can be very tricky.
In my classroom, I tell the students "We give kids what they need" and they are aware that every kid does not need the same things as every other kid. They really embrace this, and seem very understanding and help one another. We are a family. I have several students with limitations academically, socially and behaviorally. 3 of my students are on target behavior sheets, one student walks with me in the halls as my partner, one student dictates to me what his journals will say as we write hand over hand. In kindergarten, many of the accommodations are simple, but necessary to give students the opportunities for success. I have a student with autism, a student who is diagnosed bi-polar, and a student who has screened very low for language processing. 3 of my students also are on IEP's for articulation. In the past, many of these students would have been placed in isolation or special classrooms and never experience anything with peers in a regular education classroom. That is simply not acceptable, and I am so happy the bar has been raised and that school systems and educators are doing more to help these students achieve.
To me, inclusive education is not about strict equality for every learner. It is about each person learning all they can in the least restrictive environment and reaching their highest potential. It is the responsibility of the schools and teachers as well as families to advocate for students to get them what they need as learners.