The practice of teaching students with
learning disabilities in general education classrooms is commonly referred to as inclusion, part of the least restrictive environment mandate included in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA Reathorization, 2004).
When I ask graduate education students to define inclusion, they give the standard description, the meaningful involvement and participation of children with
disabilities in general education classrooms and school environments.
Despite the prevalence of students with
disabilities in the general education classroom, few teachers receive training on how to meet these students» needs or how to navigate the legally mandated processes enumerated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
This practice can be expected to increase, since the 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides support for educating students with
disabilities in the general education classroom and ensuring their right to access the general education curriculum.
Although much still needs to be developed, Provost Terry Brown said she envisions a new program that follows teachers into the profession and provides further development where needed, incorporates useful technology into teaching methods classes and develops professionals who can work with English language learners and students with
disabilities in general education classrooms.
We know that merely including students with
disabilities in general education classrooms is not enough to ensure their success.
Dynamic, skilled and experience Inclusion Teacher with progressive four years of working experience with disabilities in a general education classroom