I'm an inclusionist myself, and I support the philosophy. Ideally, it makes for both a better world and a better classroom. Educators who support inclusion agree that teachers must be properly trained for the process to work for everyone. Jorgensen is project coordinator of the UNH Institute on Disability. She worries that teacher-training money is cut when budgets are tight.
Parents get upset.
When the right support and services are provided, there is no doubt inclusion is the best option for special students, Jorgensen believes. Usi ng regular students as models, special students improve communication, social and academic skills. According to federal and state laws, the educationally disabled must be taught in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs. Although inclusion isn't specifically cited, it's implicit in the ordinances. When determining an education plan for a student, school officials start with placement in the regular classroom and work from there.