Inclusive education is a type of education that emphasizes the integration of all students, including those with disabilities, into mainstream classrooms. Inclusive education differs from the traditional practice of placing students with disabilities in separate classrooms or educational institutions. It has been proven to be beneficial to both disabled and non-disabled students.
The concept of inclusive education has only recently gained popularity in American schools, but it is quickly becoming a mainstream idea as we begin to understand the importance of this type of learning. Inclusive education is defined as a commitment to providing all students with access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socio-economic status or race.
Inclusive education has been an important topic of discussion in America since the 1960s when civil rights groups began working towards the desegregation of public schools. In recent years, many states have made strides towards creating more inclusive classrooms by implementing standards such as Common Core Standards for Math and English Language Arts (ELA).
However, there are still many barriers that prevent students from truly being able to achieve success in inclusive classrooms. For example, some students may not feel comfortable speaking up about their needs or concerns because they are afraid of being ostracized by their peers. These students may not receive the same amount of attention from teachers or administrators as other students who do speak up about their needs or concerns.
The concept is centered around the idea of educating all students with disabilities in general education classrooms and allowing them to participate in the same activities and receive the same curriculum as their peers. This differs from special education in which different curriculum is taught to students with disabilities in separate classrooms. The inclusive education movement is rooted in the belief that all children should have equal access to public education and not be segregated from their peers based on their abilities.
Many disabled students may qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and receive instruction tailored to their needs. However, IDEA does not require school districts to provide special or separate classrooms, so some school districts have adopted inclusive models that allow students with disabilities to participate in general education classes alongside non-disabled students.
The United States has historically struggled with the inclusion of students with disabilities in public education. However, during the past several decades, there have been a number of legislative initiatives aimed at improving the educational outcomes for such students. The most significant of these initiatives was the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975, which mandated that all students be provided a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This included students who were deaf or hearing impaired, blind or vision impaired, speech-impaired, seriously emotionally disturbed, orthopedically disabled, autistic, and other health-impaired individuals.
In addition to these services being provided to students with disabilities in public schools, IDEA also required that public schools provide services to any student who is considered “at risk.” This includes students who are mentally or physically handicapped or those who do not speak English. This act also requires that students with disabilities be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent possible.
One of the most significant advancements made by IDEA was the implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a written plan developed by a teacher and parents that outlines specific goals for each student based on his or her unique needs.