Blog #3

Inclusion is defined as the action or state of including or being included within a group or structure. In the case of education it has become a heated discussion. We are taking the special education labels away from those students. The ability for these students to have a normal educational experience has done wonders for their self worth, their social growth, and their learning opportunities, given the ability to be done correctly. The regulations call for “inclusion”, but each school district is to implement this in their own way, that gives great flexibility, though each district must pay for these services themselves. Being done correctly comes with a price, if inclusion is to do our students justice, special educators must be available. I haven't been in the educational arena very long at all, but what I have seen is quite disturbing. Special educators, great teachers being utilized as "aides", not having adequate work spaces, and most importantly, not enough special educators to handle the work load. Is it expensive? Yes. We mustn't forget the reason for the expense.

With all the discussion and the pros and cons of inclusion, studies continue to show...when done correctly special education students flourish as do their counterparts in general education. We must continue to be advocates for all students.