One of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child with special needs is choosing the proper learning environment. Should your child be placed in an inclusive classroom with their general education peers, or would a specialized program better meet their needs? The answer depends on your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and learning style.
In an inclusive classroom, children with special needs learn alongside their general education peers. They may have support from a special education teacher, aide, or other accommodations to help them be successful in that environment. Inclusion is designed to promote social interaction and increase diversity among students with different learning styles.
However, inclusive classrooms do not always accomplish their desired goal. They have both pros and cons.
Pros of Inclusive Classrooms:
-Provides opportunities for new friendships and social development
-Exposes students to grade-level curriculum
-Ideally, helps students develop independence and self-confidence
-Ideally, promotes acceptance and understanding among peers
Cons of Inclusive Classrooms:
-Some students will have trouble keeping up with the curriculum
-Teachers may not always have the tools or the time to give extra help
-Students who have sensory or behavioral difficulties may be overwhelmed in a fast-paced classroom and may not get much assistance
-Some students may face bullying from general education classmates
-It may negatively affect a student’s self-confidence if the student is bullied or is not given the proper support to keep up with the classwork
What Are Specialized Programs?
Specialized programs are specifically tailored to students with disabilities. They include self-contained classrooms, special education schools, and therapy programs. This allows for more structured and tailored instruction, often with smaller class sizes and some one-on-one instruction.
Pros of Specialized Programs:
-Personal attention and specialized teaching
-Smaller classes and a setting structured for students with disabilities
-Special training in special education for the teachers
-Freedom to direct services to sensory, behavioral, and learning needs
Cons of Specialized Programs:
-Less contact with general education peers
-Does not always provide equal access to the general education curriculum
-Sometimes makes the student feel like he or she is being cast aside or segregated
How to Make the Right Choice
No child is alike, and no environment works for everyone. It depends on their academic, social, and emotional needs. Following are some factors to consider:
Your Child’s Learning Style: Does your child require a structured environment to adequately learn the classwork or interact with other peers to stay interested?
Level of Support Required: Does your child require one-on-one attention, specialized teaching, or therapy?
Social and Emotional Development: Would your child benefit from socializing with their peers in an inclusive setting or will they feel unsafe; do they need a quieter, more structured environment?
School Resources: Does your local school offer the necessary support for inclusion or is a specialized program better equipped?
Future Goals: Consider how this would impact long-term goals, such as living independently, attending college, or vocational training.
Closing Remarks
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to special education. With proper support, some students thrive in inclusive classrooms; while others thrive with the structure and social safety of a specialized program. As a parent, some suggestions are: visit potential schools or programs that your child may attend, have detailed discussions and collaborate with your child’s prospective teachers and school leadership about your child’s education, trust your instincts, and advocate for what’s in your child’s best interest of your child’s well-being and their ability to succeed in the chosen environment.
Inclusive Classrooms vs. Specialized Programs: How to Choose the Best Learning Environment for your Child
By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq.
One of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child with special needs is choosing the proper learning environment. Should your child be placed in an inclusive classroom with their general education peers, or would a specialized program better meet their needs? The answer depends on your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and learning style.
In an inclusive classroom, children with special needs learn alongside their general education peers. They may have support from a special education teacher, aide, or other accommodations to help them be successful in that environment. Inclusion is designed to promote social interaction and increase diversity among students with different learning styles.
However, inclusive classrooms do not always accomplish their desired goal. They have both pros and cons.
Pros of Inclusive Classrooms:
-Provides opportunities for new friendships and social development
-Exposes students to grade-level curriculum
-Ideally, helps students develop independence and self-confidence
-Ideally, promotes acceptance and understanding among peers
Cons of Inclusive Classrooms:
-Some students will have trouble keeping up with the curriculum
-Teachers may not always have the tools or the time to give extra help
-Students who have sensory or behavioral difficulties may be overwhelmed in a fast-paced classroom and may not get much assistance
-Some students may face bullying from general education classmates
-It may negatively affect a student’s self-confidence if the student is bullied or is not given the proper support to keep up with the classwork
What Are Specialized Programs?
Specialized programs are specifically tailored to students with disabilities. They include self-contained classrooms, special education schools, and therapy programs. This allows for more structured and tailored instruction, often with smaller class sizes and some one-on-one instruction.
Pros of Specialized Programs:
-Personal attention and specialized teaching
-Smaller classes and a setting structured for students with disabilities
-Special training in special education for the teachers
-Freedom to direct services to sensory, behavioral, and learning needs
Cons of Specialized Programs:
-Less contact with general education peers
-Does not always provide equal access to the general education curriculum
-Sometimes makes the student feel like he or she is being cast aside or segregated
How to Make the Right Choice
No child is alike, and no environment works for everyone. It depends on their academic, social, and emotional needs. Following are some factors to consider:
Closing Remarks
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to special education. With proper support, some students thrive in inclusive classrooms; while others thrive with the structure and social safety of a specialized program. As a parent, some suggestions are: visit potential schools or programs that your child may attend, have detailed discussions and collaborate with your child’s prospective teachers and school leadership about your child’s education, trust your instincts, and advocate for what’s in your child’s best interest of your child’s well-being and their ability to succeed in the chosen environment.
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