Embracing Inclusion Addressing The Needs Of Children...

Embracing Inclusion – Addressing the Needs of Children with Differences in Education Kissy Marie Rose Seattle University Abstract This paper discusses the prevalent issues, tensions and biases of the inclusive classroom in today’s educational setting. The major issues explored are: Cost, Benefits, Effectiveness and Controversy. In addition, two personal interviews are taken into account from parents with children within the educational system and their thoughts, hopes, dreams, and grievances and their day-to-day accounts of successes and challenges. What’s important to note is like many parents, the parents interviewed, have hopes for their children that transcends and surpasses any normality, after all they have to think†¦show more content†¦Now it is crucial that all of teachers ensure inclusive practice for all students in their classroom and the wider school. Under the inclusion model, students with special needs spend most or all of their time with non-disabled students. Implementation of inclusion practice varies and schools most frequently use the strategy for select students w ith mild to severe special needs.† (2000 Allen, K.E.) The most important part of Allen’s quote that applies today, â€Å"Now it is crucial that all teachers ensure inclusive practice for all students in their classroom and the wider school† has become a true paradox. It is now a rallying cry, be it from the controversial challenges, the federal/state requirements or the lofty goal of superintendent, administrator or educator. What is now clear based on the current laws, such as the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), Disability Education Act (IDEA), Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and published guidelines, is that Inclusion is for everyone, not just disabled children. â€Å"Special Needs† is now inclusive of children with communication disorders, emotional behavioral disorders, developmental disorders, disabilities, and gifted or talented children as well. The (4) four major issues involved are: Cost, Benefits, Effectiveness and the one that must be considered both separately and inclusively, the issue of Controversy. So let’s take a closer look at each.