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Question
For this task, you will write an essay in which you take an informed stance on inclusion in the classroom.
Using the Internet or library resources, find at least two research-based articles, one supporting inclusion and one against it. (I have uploaded 2 articles I found. You can add to it if needed.)
In a Microsoft Word document, write a 500-word essay in which you state your opinion about inclusion.
Use articles or any outside materials to support your answers. Be sure to cite any resources you use and use proper APA formatting in your essay.
Answer
Inclusion in the Classroom
The inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education system is a topic that has been widely debated. Different schools of thought have come out to support the concept while others have raised legitimate concerns regarding the proposed system. This essay will analyze the pros and cons of exclusivity in the education system.
First, the inclusion of people with disabilities into the regular student education system has been seen as a move that promotes social justice. This according to Bandura(1997), where the need for equality and non-segregation of individuals with a physical disability is advocated for. According to this scholarly article, great efforts have been directed towards achieving social justice and classroom inclusivity was one major milestone towards achieving this vision.
Secondly, studies carried out reveal that students with disability prefer learning and interacting with regular students. Tetler and Baltzer(2011), who documented the study stated that the research was carried out on the premise that it is vital to have the opinion of students with disability when deciding whether to adopt an inclusive system of education. As stated above, majority of the students interviewed said that they preferred to learn in a regular school rather than being set apart in their own special education schools.
Medical studies have also shown that specific disabilities such as inability to hear and talk may gradually improve through constant interaction with students without disabilities (Bandura, 1997). Moreover, they are able to learn life skills and survival tactics early enough in life and therefore reduce dependence and can easily interact with other people even in settings that are outside school and home (Ainscow, Booth, &Dyson, 2006).
Finally, inclusivity has been advocated for especially where teachers are able to engage effective teaching methods that are suitable for students with disabilities. Such methods include having an assistant to the teacher, station teaching, parallel teaching, alternative and team teaching (Hall, 2002). Moreover, as long as classrooms and school environment is conducive, then inclusivity is highly recommended.
Despite all the benefits enumerated above, concerns have been raised on the effectiveness and efficiency of inclusivity and its impact on class performance and the learning process and experience for students with disability. One of the major reason cited showing course against classroom inclusivity is the risk of the students not getting adequate and specialized attention from the teachers and staff. This may lead to poor performance and a lack of academic progress.
In addition, inclusivity may not be suitable because it also interferes with the learning of regular students. This is because teachers may have to slow down significantly in order to accommodate special needs children. Research documented by Tetler and Baltzer (2011), shows that a majority of regular students do not really mind slowing down in order to accommodate students with disability. Despite this findings, critics have not disregarded the fact that inclusivity can greatly slow down syllabus coverage for regular students.Another major concern is the socialization where students with disability are feared to experience bullying, teasing, ridicule and stigmatization from regular students. This slows their social development and they do not enjoy the schooling experience.
Finally, research from credible institutions such as the American Federation of Teachers have shown that 78% of people do not necessarily think that classroom inclusion will lead to better academic progress or growth (Carter, 2009). Moreover, specific lobby groups which focus on the welfare of the disabled have raised concerns on inclusions saying that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
In conclusion, given the facts above and having considered opinions given by scholars, lobby groups and other education stakeholders, an inclusive system is better as long as enough resources are allocated to the system and there is a commitment to the vision of an inclusive society from all education stakeholders.
