What does the term "inclusion" mean in the context of special education?

The term "inclusion" in the context of special education refers to the practice of educating students with disabilities in general education classrooms alongside their typically developing peers. This approach emphasizes the importance of integrating all students into the same learning environment, ensuring they have access to the general curriculum and opportunities to interact socially and academically with their classmates.

Inclusion is grounded in the belief that all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, benefit from being part of a diverse learning community where varied perspectives and experiences enrich the educational experience. It promotes equity, social interaction, and the idea that students with disabilities can thrive in a supportive general education setting, with the appropriate accommodations and modifications as needed.

This inclusive model contrasts sharply with separate educational settings, additional resources exclusively for students with disabilities, or exclusion from group activities, all of which do not encapsulate the essence of inclusion. Instead, inclusion focuses on collaborative teaching strategies, peer support, and fostering a sense of belonging for all students within the classroom.