How Inclusion Can Facilitate Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Discusses what inclusive education is, what it is not, and seven ways it can provide opportunities for improving education

Michael,

I'm a fourth-grade “Regular Ed” teacher who was very reluctantly drafted to have a child with severe disabilities in my room. It didn't take me long to be genuinely glad to have Sandy in my class. I can support inclusion. But please tell me who is going to watch out for people like me? Who will make sure administrators give us smaller class loads to compensate? Who will keep the curriculum people off my back when I don't cover the already overwhelming amount the state expects us to cover? After all, to properly achieve inclusion my time will now be more pressed than ever. Who will ensure that I receive the time I need to meet with the rest of the team (special educator, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc.)? Who will watch over us, Mike?

Sue Flynn

East Aurora Elementary School

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