Inclusion: The Pros and Cons
Issues... about Change, Vol. 4, No. 3 (1995)
Introduction
Few issues in education generate more discussion, confusion, or apprehension than the topic of inclusion. It is an issue that has outspoken advocates on all sides, whether staunchly for, avowedly against, or somewhere in between. Certainly, for a school or district to change and accommodate a more inclusive approach to providing services to students with disabilities as well as a host of other "at-risk" students, and do it in a way that ensures the success of all, will require significant restructuring. Inclusion is more than reconfiguring special education services. It involves an "overhaul" of the entire educational system. Special education and regular education faculty/staff roles and relationships will change, as will the traditional rules under which "things" happen within the classroom, campus, and district. Therefore, understanding the issues and ramifications prior to undertaking such a restructuring effort will be useful.
For many, the concept of inclusion remains somewhat vague. What does inclusion actually mean? What does it look like? Is it the same as full inclusion or mainstreaming? What is wrong with special education the way it is now? What changes would need to be made to adopt a more inclusive approach for special education services? What are the overarching issues-the pros and cons? This installment of Issues ... about Change will investigate many of these issues surrounding inclusion. Specifically, a short historical synopsis of the development of special education services will be presented, followed by a clarification of terms. Philosophical, educational, and legal arguments for and against greater inclusion are also presented. The paper concludes with a short discussion of implications for educational practitioners and district policy makers. Finally, in addition to an extensive list of references cited in the article, a list of other resources is included below for those interested in further investigation.
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