Inclusion in Education
Inclusion refers to education given to children with disabilities in the absence of their peers with disabilities. The justification for this is to ensure that special needs students are as fully integrated into general education as possible in order for them to have the same level of achievement as all students. Consultative programs, program modifications, co-teaching, and paraprofessional counseling are among the inclusions. Co-teaching requires two people in a classroom, one of whom should be a general instructor in each curriculum and the other who should be experienced in making changes and accommodations to help both students navigate the curriculum. On the other hand, class consultation entails direct services given by the teacher to strengthen skills for the success of the student.
Lack of Compliance with Inclusion Model
The kind of special education offered to Sally is not complying with the inclusion model. It is because the attention given is not maximum as required even if she is included in the general education classroom, according to the New Jersey Code statement, "Students with disabilities shall be educated in the least restrictive environment." The teacher tends to give her very little attention, that is, small group instruction or with the special teacher in or out of the classroom. The 20% given the specialized instructions is not enough to help Sally understand the math concepts and comprehensions.
Recommendations for Improvement
The general grade education teacher should first ask for assistance from a special education teacher to be included in his curriculum. The special teacher will assist in accommodations and modifications that will help Sally and other students like her in accessing the curriculum correctly. Hence, she will be able to get every update required through the curriculum. Secondly, the teacher should put more effort into the class consultation skill. Sally will be able to get direct services from her teacher that will strengthen her skills. This should be accompanied by the provision of tools and materials for use. This skill is very powerful because it will help in approaching specific areas, like in the challenge of comprehension and independence of a student.
Introduction of Individual Education Program
Lastly, there should be the introduction of "Individual Education Program" according to the New Jersey Code. This program entails a written plan with set goals and achievements for the student. These goals should be the guidelines will help in reaching the set targets. For example, Sally should set a goal of reading a paragraph daily of a certain journal and then later write a review to assess her understanding of the reading. If Sally follows or is helped to follow all these requirements, the challenges experienced will be forgone stories.
References
Idol, L. (2006). Toward inclusion of special education students in general education: A program evaluation of eight schools. Remedial and Special education, 27(2), 77-94
Rea, P. J., McLaughlin, V. L., & Walther-Thomas, C. (2002). Outcomes for students with learning disabilities in inclusive and pullout programs. Exceptional Children, 68(2), 203-222.
Austin, V. L. (2001). Teachers’ beliefs about co-teaching. Remedial and special education, 22(4), 245-255.
