Is it right or wrong to include children with learning difficulties in standard

1. 51

   Joe Cookposted 12 years ago

   Is it right or wrong to include children with learning difficulties in standard state schools?
   
   Is it wrong to include children with learning difficulties in standard schools because it potentially disrupts and slows the development of children without learning issues?  Is it wrong because children with learning difficulties genuinely need alternative help and focus?  Is it wrong because it could be a shrewd and cynical attempt from local authorities to save money?  Is it RIGHT because it promotes a wonderful environment of inclusivity and acceptance?

   replyreport
2. 62

   xanzacowposted 12 years ago

   Including children with mild to moderate learning challenges in standard schools does not disrupt other children's learning as long as the teacher is compassionate and prepared. It teaches others acceptace, although some will never grasp acceptance. My son with Down's Syndrome graduated high school with a certificate due to the allowances for him to be in regular schools. This was his greatest accomplishment and he was so proud. He attended regular classes with modified studies and classes on life skills to prepare him for life after school. Everywhere we went he would see a classmate who would come up to him and give him a big hug. He can read and write. He does not use correct spelling and grammar all of the time, but it is easily understandable. As far as the money goes, schools can get special fundings for special education.  I think there should always be someone available to help these children with special needs. I had a fight several years with teachers that just "babysat" rather than try to teach my child. Some children with severe disabilities should probably not be in mainstream classes unless they have someone with them one on one, for the child's own best interest. Great idea for a hub!

   replyreport
3. 73

   TIMETRAVELER2posted 12 years ago

   This isn't a matter of right and wrong, it's a matter of what is best overall for the student population.
   
   There are disabilities, and there are disabilities...in other words, not all learning disabled children should be mainstreamed.
   
   However, that's not the way it works.  Public schools mainstream ALL of them and this DOES cause major classroom disruptions.
   
   They have no choice, however, due to the way the laws are written.
   
   Inclusion may be wonderful for a disabled child and his family, but it is not always so good for the majority of students who have normal skills.

   replyreport
   1. 62

      xanzacowposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      When my son was in school they did have spec ed classes. I did not know that it had changed. That is not good. I can see where some major disruptions will occur. There are so many degrees of learning disabilities.

      replyreport