What Are Some Benefits of My Child Being in an Inclusion Classroom?
The benefits of inclusive education are numerous for students; both with and without exceptionalities. Sometimes, we only think about the positive benefits that students with exceptionalities receive from inclusive education, however, children in the general education setting also will benefit.
Benefits for Students with Disabilities:
Being in an inclusion classroom helps create friendships with the increase of social interactions and relationships. It also brings awareness that students that have exceptionalities are no different from the other students. The inclusion teacher will support this by teaching the class about individual differences.
Students will have an increased achievement of IEP goals due to the greater access to the general curriculum. The inclusion teacher will have higher expectations and push the student to meet their full potential. The Varying Exceptionalities teacher will also support the inclusion teacher in helping the students to meet their IEP goals.
In addition, children with exceptionalities in an inclusion setting with have peer role models for academic, social, and behavior skills.
Benefits of Inclusion for Students without Disabilities:
Being in an inclusion classroom allows the students to develop meaningful friendships with an increased appreciation and acceptance of individual differences. This also gives the students an increased understanding and acceptance of diversity and respect for all people which will prepare all students for an adult life in an inclusive society. This is usually done by the help of the inclusion teacher. In addition, the material that is taught within the classroom can be tailored for each child’s individual learning needs.
All students’ needs are better met within an inclusion classroom. This is due to the extra resources that are available, as well as the support that an inclusion teacher and Varying Exceptionalities teacher can provide.
Should you have further questions about inclusive education, please reach out to leslie@collaborativecorner.org.
Resources:
4 Benefits of Inclusive Classrooms
Leslie Haynes, B.Ed
Inclusion Teacher, Parent Advocate, and Special Olympics Coach
leslie@collaborativecorner.org