Parents' View

Abstract

This article briefly examines inclusion—its historical foundation and its definitions. Several questions are provided that parents can ask themselves when determining if inclusion is appropriate for their child. These questions range from whether the goals of the Individualized Education Program can be achieved in a general education setting to how this setting would (or would not) benefit their child. Furthermore, guidelines are provided to assist parents of students with disabilities in determining the appropriateness of inclusion, helping parents in evaluating the support inclusion programs receive, the makeup of inclusion classes, the classroom climate, curriculum and grading, the provision of accommodations and behavioral plans, and how students are evaluated. These questions and considerations should assist parents of students with disabilities when contemplating an inclusion setting for their child.