Blog Post #3 – Inclusion/A Contemporary Challenge. What Is Your Perspective?

Inclusive schooling is a very contentious topic.  There are many arguments for and against inclusion that make it difficult for schools to come to an overwhelming decision about either in support or against inclusion. 

                There are many arguments in support of inclusive schooling.  The YouTube video, Inclusive Education: We're All in This Together (Brieann Woods, 2008), states that “inclusive education teaches patience, compassion, and support for their peers”.  Inclusive schooling also helps “avoid labeling and segregated placement” (Jimenez and Graf, 2008). 

The YouTube video, Are You Happy? The Story of Morgan Warren (Raewyn Mundhenk, 2007), is a great example of a young girl that thrives in the inclusive setting.  Morgan is motivated by the other children in her classes.  She wants to do what the other children are doing and she enjoys spending time with them.  The other non-identified students look out for Morgan, and make sure she is doing what she is supposed to be doing and goes where she is supposed to go.  They take a protective role in their relationship.  These social interactions with the other students will help her in society as well.  She is learning how to socially integrate and she can take those lessons into society.  Not only is inclusion helpful for the special education students, but the non-identified students learn that people are different, and they learn how to interact in different situations, and how to treat everyone with respect.

                There are also opponents of inclusion.  An argument in opposition is that high level classes that are at a higher degree of educational difficulty are difficult to modify and make appropriate for students that cannot learn as easily as non-identified students.  Either the teacher has to slow the pace down to accommodate the special education students, or the special education students will not be able to keep up with the pace of the class.  Also, some special education students can become a distraction to other students.  For example, a student with ADHD tapping his pencil on his desk the entire class could be distracting to others, but uncontrollable to that student.  Also, some general education teachers may not be knowledgeable on special education techniques, and that could withhold the progress of special education students.  General education teachers may not know how to accommodate or teach special needs students, and that can become frustrating not only to the other special education students, but the teachers and other students as well.

                There are many factors that contribute to this debate.  Parents, for one, want what is best for their child.  Their child’s level of functionality could influence their perspective of inclusive schooling.  They may or may not believe inclusion is what is best for their child, and not take other children’s education into account.  They could believe that what is best for their child is best for all special needs children.  Also, teachers, both general education and special education, have their opinions on inclusion.  Teachers see inclusive environments first-hand, and depending on their individual experience, they form their own opinions and fuel the debate.

                In my limited experience, I am a proponent of inclusion in general education and extracurricular activities.  As a basketball and golf coach, I believe that I can include special education students in either sport in some aspect.  Students with limited physical ability that are unable to fully participate in the sport can help do other things that will still make them parts of the team.  They can be score keepers for example.  If their passion to be involved in a sport is high, then I believe I can find some way for them to be a part of the team.  It is good for special education students to interact with their peers outside of the classroom, and form relationships that sports can help facilitate.