Inclusion Principle
Inclusion is a simple principle that states children with special needs should take part in regular classes and activities – just like children their age without special needs. Some proponents of inclusion believe it should be based on ability – others believe all children with special needs should experience standard classroom education. Inclusion expresses commitment to educate each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, in the school and classroom he or she would otherwise attend. It involves bringing the support services to the child (rather than moving the child to the services) and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class (rather than having to keep up with the other students). Proponents of inclusion generally favor newer forms of education service delivery.
Benefits
Children Learn By Example
While special needs children can benefit from spending time with other special needs children, problems can arise when they spend all of their time with children with similar behavioral issues. Inclusion improves learning for both classified and unclassified students. By being in a classroom with children that don’t have behavioral issues, some individuals with special needs may be able to develop better social skills through example. When children who have learning problems are included, students without disabilities tend to perform better academically. Inclusion Helps Children Adjust Many advocates of full inclusion believe that special needs children who attend regular classes will be better equipped to handle the world in their teen and adult years due to their exposure to children without special needs. For many children with developmental disorders who may be working to overcome them, that means easier friendships and work situations later in life, and less overall shock when it comes to adapting to the world later on. Develops Empathy One thing that many advocates of inclusion tend to forget is that children who do not have special needs can also develop better social skills and empathy by being in classrooms with special needs children. |
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How to Make it WorkThe most-effective inclusive classrooms have the following characteristics:
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Want to know more about Inclusive Classrooms? These resources can teach you how to make inclusion work for you and your students.
It offers resources that cover all aspects of the inclusive classroom. The resources vary from articles to checklists to worksheets. It also covers children who are gifted or have a second language. This site stands out in its effort to provide support for parents. There are numerous links to information, advocacy, and support groups!
Offers ideas and strategies on how to create and maintain inclusive classrooms.
Read best practices and handy tips in the resources below to make inclusion a success in your school. Provides helpful articles describe ways to modify your curriculum to reach every student. In addition to great teaching strategies and planning tips for grades K-12, you'll find plenty of resources to help you adapt existing materials for an inclusive classroom in any subject.
The Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) is a web-based educational resource for families, schools and communities that promotes inclusive educational practices
Inside you will find many resources for teaching, learning and supporting the inclusive classroom.