This case highlights one principal’s struggle to reconcile his philosophy of full inclusion with the best interests of a student with serious emotional disturbance. It raises a number of issues that bring to light challenges posed by a system of full inclusion. It also provides an opportunity for educational leadership students and administrators to critically confront and appreciate the ethical and legal dilemmas presented in the provision of special education services to students with serious disabilities.
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
2.
The Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1414 (2005).
3.
Shapiro, J.P., & Stefkovich, J.A. (2001). Ethical leadership and decision making in education: Applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
4.
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
5.
The Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1414 (2005).
6.
The Judge Rotenberg Center. Retrieved November 30, 2008, from www.judgerc.org
7.
Villa, R.A., & Thousand, J.S. (2005). Creating an inclusive school (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
8.
Shapiro, J.P., & Stefkovich, J.A. (2001). Ethical leadership and decision making in education: Applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum .
9.
Stefkovich, J.A. ( 2006). The best interests of the student: Applying ethical constructs to legal cases in education. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
10.
Jordan, D. ( 2001). A guidebook for parents of children with emotional or behavior disorders (3rd ed.). Minneapolis, MN: PACER.
11.
McInerney, M., Kane, M., & Pelavin, S. ( 1992). Services to children with serious emotional disturbance (A report to the Office of Policy and Planning, U.S. Department of Education) . Washington, DC: Pelavin Associates .
12.
Baker, E.T., Wang, M.C., & Walberg, H.J. ( 1995). The effects of inclusion on learning. Educational Leadership, 52(4), 33-35.
13.
Daniel, L.G., & King, D.A. ( 1997). Impact of inclusion education on academic achievement, student behavior and self-esteem, and parental attitudes. Journal of Educational Research, 91(2), 67-80.
14.
Sharpe, M.N., & York, J.L. ( 1994). Effects of inclusion on the academic performance of classmates without disabilities. Remedial and Special Education, 15, 281-287.
15.
Tapasak, R.C., & Walther-Thomas, C.S. (1999). Evaluation of a first-year inclusion program: Student perceptions and classroom performance. Remedial and Special Education, 20, 216-225.
