5 KEY IDEAS

DEFINITIONS OF INCLUSION AND SPED

• Inclusion-providing specially designed instruction and supports for students with special needs in the context of regular education.
• Special Education- specialized instruction and supplementary aids and services provided to students with disabilities who need specialized instruction.

DEFINITIONS OF MAINSTREAMING AND INTEGRATION

• Mainstreaming- SPED students brought into general education classrooms when they no longer need specially designed instruction
• Integration- presumes segregation exists and students with disabilities have access to school and a free appropriate education.
• These two topics say "We can't do that", while inclusion asks "How can we do that?"

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT

• Strengthens inclusionary practices
• Assures students with disabilities have access to school and free appropriate public education
• Requires school districts to place students in a LRE (least restrictive environment) in all aspects, such as assessment activities, classrooms, curriculum, etc.

FACTORS OF INCLUSIONS TO BE CONSIDERED

• Educational benefits
• Non-academic benefits
• Effect on environment by student's presence
• The cost of mainstreaming
• School Reform- identifying, understanding, and using practices in schools that have a sound basis in research
• Emphasis on Individualized Instruction by viewing students as individuals

IMPACTS OF INCLUSION

• Mild Disabilities- progress is apparent in general education classrooms, early intervention is suggested
• Significant Disabilities- academic increases, behavioral/social progress
• Students without Disabilities- consistent academic gains
• All Students- positive experiences and improved attitudes