Inclusion of Students with Special Needs into General Education Elective Classes Caroline Courter EDUC 101

Importance of this topic: equal opportunities This topic is important to remember because it gives all students equal opportunities. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) According to our text book, “Teach”, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) entitles all students to “a free, appropriate public education.” Inclusion Inclusion by definition is: the practice of educating students with disabilities in regular classrooms alongside nondisabled students. coexist Inclusion is important because it allows general education students and special education students to coexist in one classroom no matter the learning level.

Controversy: Who will benefit? I believe all students benefit from an integrated classroom. Others believe the “you’re only as strong as your weakest link” method thinking that having students with special needs in the same classroom as general education students with slow the pace of the curriculum and the way all students learn. Are there enough Instructional Aides to go around and help in different elective classes? Will students with disabilities fall too far behind if they can’t perform necessary assignments other students are required to?

Pro: Every student is entitled to the same educational opportunities! Every student is entitled to the same educational opportunities! Students with special needs benefit SO much from being included! Allows them to actively engage with other students Peer facilitating experiences with Josh Electives are fun for all students, not just general education students! Electives allow students to get away from their regular academic classes and engage in something fun!

How elective classes help: Elective classes can help students with disabilities more than one may imagine! Art: Art: Ceramics, Drawing, and Painting classes for example help students with special needs with their fine motor skills. Quite frequently, people with disabilities have trouble with their fine motor skills (using their hands) because they don’t always develop properly. Preforming Arts Preforming Arts: Choir and Theater classes help students with disabilities with their social skills. They learn how to work and act in group settings. This also helps them to talk in front of audiences.

Con: Elective teachers are not special education teachers- they may have a hard time learning how to communicate with students with special needs. May have hard time modifying activities for students with spec. needs. Students with spec. needs can be very disruptive at times. Peer Facilitating experiences with Tailor

Open ended questions What can electives teachers do to prepare for their classes that will include students with special needs? How can general education teachers and special education teachers work together to help each other teach their own students? How can schools help teachers and students of integrated classrooms adapt so everyone’s needs are met?