Inclusion in Schools: more than just inclusion in the classroom

Part B of the individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA) requires inclusion in schools to be maximized for each child with a disability.  But what does that really mean?  What is inclusion?  Some people still seem to think it means just ensuring inclusion in the classroom, or in other words, placement in a regular education classroom.  Some may even think inclusion in schools with children who do not have disabilities is sufficient to meet IDEA's requirements for inclusion.  Still others may argue that inclusion in schools refers only to academics.  In this inclusion article, I try to clear up some of these misconceptions about one of the most controversial issues in special education:  inclusion and the least restrictive environment mandate (LRE).

What is Inclusion and What is the LRE?

I am discussing these terms, inclusion and LRE, together because they are often used interchangeably.  If you want to be precise, inclusion is a theory about participation of children with disabilities and the LRE is the legal mandate for inclusion in schools as set out in IDEA.

What Does IDEA Require for Inclusion in Schools?

The easiest way to remember and apply the LRE/inclusion rule is to start by asking:  What is typical for students without disabilities?  Whatever that is, the LRE mandate requires the school to provide students with disabilities to the "maximum extent appropriate" with the same opportunities as children without disabilities.  This means access, participation, placement, and interaction in the same activities alongside students without disabilities.  Thus, inclusion in schools includes:

• Inclusion in the classroom that students without disabilities attend
  
• Participation in the regular academic curriculum or "general curriculum"
  
• Participation in extracurricular activities (clubs and sports)
  
• Inclusion in other school activities with other students (meals, busing, recess, etc.)
  

 What Does Maximizing Inclusion in Schools Mean?

Not all students with disabilities can learn what they need to in regular classrooms or participate fully in the general curriculum or in all school activities.  IDEA recognizes this and requires maximizing inclusion in schools rather than full inclusion in schools or even full inclusion in the classroom.  To maximize inclusion means to provide as much inclusion in the above areas as possible and providing separate services, environments, and activities only when inclusion is not appropriate (i.e. harmful or not beneficial) because of the child's disability.

Other resources for inclusion in schools and inclusion in the classroom:

The philosophy of inclusion

Benefits of inclusive education

Inclusion strategies
Inclusive teaching

Big list of inclusive education resources

Note:  This post covers inclusion in schools for students ages 3-21 under Part B of IDEA--not inclusion in the classroom for infants and toddlers under Part C of IDEA.