Inclusion

October 26, 2011 in Educational Psychology we had a discussion about inclusion in the classroom. I have mixed feelings about this ongoing debate as to whether or not this is a good idea or not. On one hand, it can have wonderful experiences for both sides on the spectrum (the kids who are considered 'normal' and the kids who are considered to be 'challenged').  Children who are 'normal' I think become more accepting if they are exposed to children who have a disability more frequently. And children who have a disability who interact with children who are 'normal' perhaps helps them become more educated on what ways to act 'accepted' by society. Now on the other hand, if the child who has a disability is being disruptive to other children, would inclusion still be fair to everyone? I believe everyone has a right to learn and no one should have limitations to their abilities. But the question is how do you education everyone so they could reach ultimate success. The education system that is place now is failing some children and letting some 'fall between the cracks.' The discussion we had in class on how we are transitioning to where we (teachers) are no longer going to have E.A's in the classroom and will have a Learning Coach in the school instead concerns me great deal. It is our (teachers) job to teach everyone, but is that possible and still being fair to everyone? In this future system I see a lot more children 'being left behind' and 'falling through the cracks.' I think this system would work better if the teachers assistance stayed in the classroom. It is very controversial, in the respect to the paraprofessional career and its possible elimination from the school systems. Is Red Deer College and other colleges being honest with its students entries into this career choice? Do school systems honestly understand the impact of the removal of paraprofessionals on students who are challenged and their counterparts. Do school boards and schools understand the challenges put on teachers what are already overwhelmed by large classroom sizes? How can inclusion really be inclusion when "every" students needs are possibly being sacrificed? Is the future of our kid's education being stripped away and limited inability because the students needs and freedoms are not being met? Which child should be sacrificed? Mine, whom may be a doctor with a cure or yours whom may be the next Bach? Does money decide their fate? Inclusion cannot work unless "every" student is included this cannot happen without extra support within the classroom for teachers that are already over burdened by the classroom size alone.



"It is important to remember that the term "disability" does NOT mean or imply inability." -Educational Psychology book.