What are some pros and cons of inclusive school programs ?

Inclusive school programs are defined as providing general education classes/programs for students who suffer from educational disabilities. Whether these programs work or not has been debated for years. One side argues that it is a great and wonderful opportunity for those who have disabilities, while the other side says that teachers should be better trained to suit the needs of these students. So the question remains, should students with disabilities be integrated into general education classes or not?


Research on this topic concludes that segregated special education services are not only inefficient, but are also too expensive. It is thought that students that are disabled are better off in a general education classroom because

• "teachers who have only low-ability students have lower expectations;
• segregated programs tend to have "watered-down" programs;
• students in segregated programs tend not to have individualized programs;
• students in segregated programs tend to stay in segregated programs"

• most regular education teachers are willing and able to teach students with disabilities; and
• the law supports inclusive practices.
• "http://www.sedl.org/change/issues/issues43/underlying_assumptions.html

These points make it very easy to side with the fact that inclusion is a good thing. Although most teachers are willing to teach students with disabilities and the law supports these practices, there is still an opposing side to this argument.

On the other hand, people argue that canceling the segregation problems is just to save money and that it is not in the best interest of the student at all. It is argued that disabled students are far different from those students in general education classrooms and therefore they deserve different services. 

• "special education teachers have higher expectations for their students;
• special education curricula are appropriate for their intended students;
• individualization is more likely to occur in smaller classes with specialized teachers than in the regular classroom;
• regular teachers do not want special needs students in their classrooms; and
• students with disabilities have never been well-served in regular education, and there is nothing to indicate that teachers are any more able to deal with them now than they were previously."

Having researched both sides of the argument I find myself siding with neither argument. Although both sides make good points, I wonder if these points are true to every student. The way I was taught is that every student is a unique individual, regardless if they are gifted or if they have disabilities. I think it is up to the student how they would like to learn. If the student is not capable of making this decision on their own I think the parents should be the successor to making this decision. Some students with disabilities are not capable of being integrated into general education classes, while others fit in perfectly. I think that schools should continue moving forward with inclusive education programs because it is important for students, no matter what their abilities may be, feel included. If a student is not fit to spend an entire day in a general education class room, then a plan should be devised so he/she can spend some of their time in the class room. Inclusive education programs are a great idea but it is not so easy as to say it is right or wrong. With more time, thought, and dedication into the program I think it could be a great opportunity, not only for disabled students but for all students. The most important ideal is to treat each student equally, offer them equal opportunities and ensure that all feel like they are a member of their class.