Inclusive Education for Students with Disabilities

SOURCE www.npr.org
The article discusses the importance of inclusive education for students with disabilities, specifically focusing on two children with Down syndrome, Kellen and Adaline, who have vastly different classroom experiences in Oklahoma. While Kellen spends over 80% of his day in a general education classroom and is thriving, Adaline spends most of her time in a separate class with other disabled students. Research shows that inclusive education benefits students with disabilities academically and socially. The article also highlights the challenges parents face in ensuring that their children receive appropriate support and education.

Key Points

  • Inclusive education is recommended by federal law and research
  • Students like Kellen, who have Down syndrome, benefit from spending more time in general education classrooms
  • Adaline's experience in a separate class highlights the lack of inclusive practices in some schools

Pros

  • Inclusive education benefits students with disabilities academically and socially
  • Research shows that there is no harm in being included in a general education setting

Cons

  • Many schools struggle to meet the 80% inclusion goal set by federal policy
  • IEP goals for students with disabilities may not always be rigorous or linked to general education standards