FORUM 05

Full Inclusion: Is it Reasonable?IS FULL INCLUSION A REASONABLE APPROACH TO TEACHING EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

FULL INCLUSION AND EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN DEFINEDExceptional Children are those children who require an individualized program of special educational and related services to fully benefit from education. This includes children who experience difficulties in learning as well as those whose performance is so superior that modifications in curriculum and instruction are necessary to help them fulfil their potential. Thus, the term refers to children with learning and/or behavior problems, physical disabilities or sensory impairments and children who are intellectually gifted or have a special talent.

Full Inclusion is a student placement option where students with special needs are always educated alongside students without special needs, as the first and desired option while maintaining appropriate supports and services. At the extreme, it is the integration of all students, even those that require the most severe educational and behavioural supports and services to be successful in regular classes and the elimination of special, segregated special education classes.

IS IT REASONABLE?It is. I personally believe that their being exceptional does not necessarily require segregating them which will eventually rob them of the opportunity to live normally and be with normal students and peers. However, my answer is limited, provided that appropriate supports and services will still be provided by teachers once the student asked, the teacher thinks it is required and as the necessity arises.

I also believe that full inclusion will inspire exceptional students to live a normal life. This will motivate them, with the help of the teachers and their classmates of course, to succeed in whatever challenges they are in and develop and share whatever talent/gift they possess. In the same manner, normal students will benefit from full inclusion. It will surely broaden their understanding once acquainted with exceptional children which will eventually produce understanding and bring about appreciation of human diversity.

But of course, teachers and classmates of exceptional students must be oriented that there are times when these exceptional children will need some help. Again, the task of the teacher in full inclusion, as I perceive, must be able to motivate the student and be on aid once he/she cries for help.

I believe that full inclusion will eliminate the feeling of helplessness among exceptional children while exercising the helpfulness of teachers and normal students around them.

Submitted by Submitted toJOHN ALBERT DUPAYA GURTIZA PROFESSOR ZHANINA U. CUSTODIOPNU | CTP Summer 2011 Education 2