5 key ideas

Inclusion: “In many studies, such as those noted in the previous paragraph, “inclusion” is defined as the presence of one or more students with disabilities in classrooms that also include non-disabled students. In other studies, inclusion is defined by teachers’ use of practices that make the curriculum accessible to a wide range of students”(ABT Associates, 9).

BENEFITS OF INCLUSION IN THE CLASSROOM:

• Non-disabled students can benefit academically from inclusion.
• Since teachers need to modify their lessons in order to meet the needs of students with disabilities, this modifications meet diverse learners.
• In a research made in different countries, it show that 58% of students who are part of a inclusive, experienced no effects, while 23% had positive effects(Pg7).

POSITIVE EFFECT IN SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Students without disabilities, can develop positive social and emotional skills.
• “Reduced fear of human differences, increased comfort and awareness, growth in social cognition, improvements in self-concept, development of personal and ethical principles and warm and caring friendships” (pg12).
• A study shows that children ages 9-10 in Greece, students who were in an inclusive classroom used less negative adjectives to describe children with intellectual disabilities compared to non-disabled students who are not part of an inclusive classroom(13).

BENEFITS OF INCLUSION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

• Students With disabilities who are in an inclusive classroom can outperform students who are segregated.
• Norway researchers found that students with disabilities who are in a general ed classroom, 75% or more are likely to earn a vocational or academic credential.

BENEFITS TO CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

• Supports academic development especially in language and literacy.
• Including students with Down syndrome, can improve their memory skills.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

• Students with disabilities in an inclusive classroom can form and maintain positive peer relationships. (18)
• Students can develop higher levels of engaged behavior.