The definition of inclusion is to
meet the needs of students with disabilities in regular classes.
Research shows that children with disabilities do better when
educated in inclusive classrooms with support. The two most important
reasons for inclusion are social skills and peer
relationships.
Since The Education for all Handicapped
Children Act law passed in 1975, educational choices for children
with Down syndrome have gotten better. IEP's ( individualized
educational programs) are the written plan for each school year that
tells the goals and special services necessary to meet the child's
needs. Parents, teachers, principals and specialists, and sometimes
even students, get together to write these goals.
Support is very important for inclusion to work
and includes whatever is necessary to meet the goals in the IEP. This
may mean additional support staff in the classroom, shortening the
lessons, or even a special type of chair. Support can be whatever is
needed to help the student.
Collaboration is an important part of
inclusion. Teachers and specialists work together in and out of the
classroom. Peers become friends and parents are involved with the
school system.
Inclusion is the newest way to teach children
with disabilities. Since inclusion began, these students have shown a
dramatic improvement in their test scores on national standardized
tests.
You will need the Quicktime movie plugin
installed to be able to view this movie from within your browser.
You can
get the QuickTime plugin for MAC or PC here.
INCLUSION
QuickTime movie = 520 K
HOME