Inclusive education happens when children with and without disabilities participate and learn together in the same classes. Research shows that when a child with a disability attends class with their non-disabled peers, good things happenā¦ For a long time, children with disabilities were educated in separate classes or separate schools.
People got used to the idea that special education should be meant to be separate from formal education. But now we know that when children are taught together, the academic and social outcomes are very positive and positive changes occur for all the children involved.
We also know that simply placing children with and without disabilities in the same classroom does not produce positive results. Inclusive education occurs when there is good planning, support and commitment from the professionals who work with these children.
Benefits of inclusive education
As you have seen so far, inclusive education has great benefits for both children with disabilities and children who do not have any type of disability. Everyone can learn from everyone and also enhance the best of themselves. But in addition to all this, you can also find other benefits that are worth mentioning:
- Development of individual strengths and gifts, with high and appropriate expectations for each child.
- Working on individual goals while participating in class life with other students of the same age will enhance the capabilities of each child.
- Involve parents in their children's academic education and in local school activities.
- Promotion of a school culture of respect and belonging.
- Inclusive education offers opportunities to learn and accept individual differences, reducing the impact of bullying and bullying.
- Developing friendships with a wide variety of other children, each with their own individual needs and abilities.
- Appreciation of diversity and inclusion on a broader level within a community.
Principles that provide quality inclusive education
All children have a feeling of belonging
Inclusive education is based on the simple idea that each child and each family are valued equally and deserve the same opportunities and experiences. Inclusive education is about enabling children with disabilities - whether the disability is mild or severe, hidden or obvious - to participate in daily activities, just as you would if your disability were not present. It's about building friendships, composing a tolerant community, and making the same opportunities appear for them as everyone else has.
Children learn in different ways
Inclusion is about providing help to children who need it and who can learn and participate in meaningful ways. Sometimes the help of friends (peers) or teachers works very well. At other times, there are specially designed materials or technologies that can also help make inclusion even more effective. The key is to give only the help that is needed, no more, no less.
It is the right of every child to be included
Inclusive education is a child's right, not a privilege. People with disabilities have the right to be an educator with children without disabilities of the same age and also, be able to access the general education curriculum. Having the same rights as other children without disabilities is essential.
Misconceptions about inclusive education
Some opinions about inclusive education are based on misinformation. Three common myths about inclusion are:
Separate education is better
Reality: Segregation doesn't work. If children are separated based on race, ability, or any other characteristicā¦ it would not be an equal or equitable education. Research shows that children with disabilities learn as much or more in inclusive classes.
Children must be 'prepared' to be included
Reality: All children have the right to be with other children their own age. A child with a disability does not have to perform at a certain level or act exactly like the other children in his class. Each child is unique and different.
Parents do not agree with inclusive education
Reality: Parents have been and continue to be the driving force for inclusive education. The best results come when parents of children with disabilities and school professionals work togetherā¦ side by side. Progress exists when there is collaboration, communication and, above all, trust between parents and professionals.