Education is something that is constantly evolving with research, studies and most importantly experiences. Special education is a program that has been a topic for centuries but recently, (the past 50 years), has come to the attention of many fighting for the rights to equal, inclusive education. After researching and collaborating for this assignment, I have come to the conclusion of what my opinions are in regards to integrated learning and classrooms. I believe that inclusive education has benefits to all students and teachers as long as there are resources and proper knowledge on implementing it to be most effective. For all students, having integrated classrooms may begin to decrease stigma associated with disabilities and teach young children that there is nothing wrong with being different. The negative perceptions towards disabilities, whether they are physical, mental or cognitive, are socially constructed. If there is no segregation beginning at a young age, society will hopefully eliminate discrimination towards disabilities. Also, for students without exceptionalities, having an integrated classroom will help them become open minded and welcoming to all students in general whether they have a disability, come from a different culture or simply a new student. Because this takes time, it is important for teachers and school staff to be aware of the resources available and the best approaches to maintaining an inclusive school environment. For tips on teaching special education affectively there are websites such as EduGains.com and AutismSpeaks.org that will enhance the classroom and support all exceptional students. For students with disabilities, being segregated could have a huge impact on their lives. They could potentially end up missing out on social interaction and gaining social skills. They may be left behind academically if they are not challenged and if they do not have high but attainable expectations for their school work. In the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disabilities, it was found that 37% of those with disabilities in the school system took less courses than average and 11% ended up quitting school completely (Canadian Human Rights Commission, 2017). In my opinion, these statistics are way too high for something that can be changed. There could also be a negative effect on their well-being caused by feeling excluded and different leading to anxiety, depression and much more. In the same survey, 25% of students in school with disabilities had been a victim of bullying and 35% felt as if they were excluded or avoided because of their disability (Canadian Human Rights Commission, 2017). All of this could be avoided with proper knowledge on education for exceptional students for teachers, students, school administrators and parents. Society may argue that students’ learning without disabilities may suffer with inclusive classrooms, but with proper staff and teacher’s education, everyone will be able to learn to their potential and get the education they deserve including those with and without disabilities. 

 

 

References

 

Canadian Human Rights Commission. (2017, March 9). For persons with disabilities in     

          Canada, education is not always an open door: CHRC report. Retrieved February 22, 2018,

          from For persons with disabilities in Canada, education is not always an open door:

          CHRC report