what is inclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of the history of inclusion, from watching the video above Dear Teacher: Heartfelt Advice for Teachers From Students (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., it is important that you understand all of the elements that must be implemented to ensure that each and every child is included in your educational setting. Our textbook defines inclusion as “The education of students with disabilities along with students without disabilities in the LRE to the maximum extent appropriate” (Powell & Driver, 2013, section 1.3). This definition of inclusion is further defined by the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and states must adhere to those mandates. However, your personal feelings and philosophy about inclusion may differ from what is required by law. You will likely incorporate your personal beliefs into your definition of inclusion. In this discussion we will take a deeper look at what inclusion is.

To prepare for this discussion,

• Please refer to the Week One Guidance for further tips and examples that will support your success on this discussion.
• Read textbook Chapter 2: Teaching Students in Special Education.
• Read the article Inclusion for young children with disabilities: A quarter century of research perspectives. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
• Read the article Differentiated Instruction: Reaching All Students.

In your post,

• Define inclusion and differentiation in your own words. Make sure to include the similarities and differences you see between the two.
• Discuss why inclusive and differentiated education is more than the ability to learn and is a process that engages issues of differences across ability, race, culture, age, and economic status. Include specific examples of what this might look like in the environment in which you work or plan to work. Use the chart below for suggested examples of environments based on your degree program.

• Explain one inclusionary aspect that you still find confusing.