Full Inclusion in Classrooms Essay Example

those with special needs (King 152). Full-inclusion classrooms enable teachers to become better educators overall and teach a comprehensive curriculum that can be understood by all students. Specialists, teachers, and students collaborate using general education curricula and have a clear understanding of the academic achievement level required for each child's success.

If the child's needs are met, they will receive more intensive instruction with their specialist. However, the goal is for them to learn within the general education classroom for the entire school day. The introduction of full inclusive classrooms also involves teachers attending specific training programs and becoming certified. This ensures they are prepared to teach both students with and without disabilities, resulting in a high-quality education for all. Teachers in these settings become experts in their instruction, such as having knowledge of multiple ways to teach reading. They combine phonics instruction with complete language, know the school's basic reading level and low-vocabulary books, and excel in reading practices. Additionally, they understand the frustration experienced by non-readers and know how to motivate their students to work hard (King, 154).

Specializing in teaching enables teachers to provide better education and support for students with disabilities, enhancing their comfort and awareness of struggling students. This specialized knowledge equips them to effectively assist these students. Inclusion in regular classrooms promotes the development of vital social skills and lasting relationships among children, improving their understanding of the real world. By being educated alongside their peers, children gain self-esteem as they feel like equals for the first time. Conversely, excluding children from classrooms leads to segregation and fosters prejudice, ignorance, and fear among general education students towards those who are different.

As Schwartz argues, without knowledge and education about similarities between people with disabilities and those without disabilities, a double standard is established.

"(Schwartz,4). Inclusion is important for children because it helps reduce prejudice and ensures they are not excluded from important social events both inside and outside of school. This ultimately improves their social skills and integration throughout their education. However, some critics argue that traditional classrooms may not have enough resources or space to accommodate students with disabilities, which can negatively affect the entire class. Additionally, many teachers feel unprepared to handle the challenges of an inclusive classroom due to a lack of knowledge in special education."

Teachers in this position not only face pressure from attending to all students but also from parents who expect them to provide high-quality education. Some teachers may find it overwhelming to individualize curriculum and modify lesson plans, leading to neglect and poor teaching strategies for children with disabilities. Another criticism is that certain students with disabilities may not be comfortable in regular classrooms and may prefer to be pulled out during certain parts of the day. Furthermore, integrating special needs children with general education children can sometimes result in fake or temporary relationships.

A survey conducted among 5,600 seventh and eighth graders nationwide found that the majority of students are open to interacting with their classmates who have intellectual disabilities during school hours. However, when asked if they would extend an invitation to these individuals to visit their homes, only around one-third of respondents responded positively (Byrnes, 303). This not only draws attention to the issue of limited relationships within integrated classrooms but also suggests that individuals who are different

may prefer spending time with friends who can better empathize with them, regardless of whether they share specialized classes or not. Some students may opt for remaining separate from regular classrooms as they feel more accepted and at ease in that particular environment.

In summary, an all-encompassing education system in public schools is highly beneficial for students. Inclusive education provides a non-judgmental environment for students to express their true selves, benefiting teachers, children, and parents by redirecting focus from disabilities to each individual child. Additionally, inclusive programs promote acceptance among peers and aid in the development of important social skills and behaviors that can be emulated later on. Furthermore, not only do children acquire their own social abilities but their peers also learn from them.