The Regular Education Initiative: A Force for Change in General and Special Education

Abstract

Much of what is written here will be threatening and the source of discomfort for many readers. Such discomfort is understandable. Change is inevitable, but never easy. The changes embodied in the “regular education initiative” are, in fact, the culmination of nearly one hundred years of development of special education in the United States. Most of that historical change and development has been incremental. The next steps involve reconceptualization and modification of some of the basic values and assumptions underlying the special education system as we know it. While this is difficult, it is as necessary as the previous evolutionary changes. The change which is coming can be either an albatross or an opportunity for individual special educators. It can either burden us more or free us from some of our unnecessary strictures. Whichever is the case. the change is coming, and in my view the regular education initiative is but one of many indications of the type ofeducational reform which. will lead us into the 21st century in American public education. I sincerely hope that many current “special educators” will be leaders in the empowerment phase of educational reform, and will be willing and eager participants in the redefinition of the services we provide to students. Implicit in this is the hope that many special educators will, in several years if not sooner, consider themselves to be committed and contributing members of the general education community.