Perspectives of Parents and Teachers
So what do parents and teachers say about inclusive education?
Teachers say the philosophy of inclusion hinges on helping students and teachers become better members of a community by creating new visions for communities and for schools. Inclusion is about membership and belonging to a community.
Here's what some teachers say about inclusion:
"Inclusion is based on the belief that people/adults work in inclusive communities, work with people of different races, religions, aspirations, and disabilities. In the same vein, children of all ages should learn and grow in environments that resemble the environments in which they will eventually work."
Excerpts taken from: Dr. Susan Etscheidt, Professor of Special Education, University of Northern Iowa
"When effective inclusion is in place, the child who needs supports does not feel isolated. The development of appropriate inclusive curriculum options requires strong parental involvement, students making choices, hands-on and heads-on involvement."
Excerpts taken from: Dr. Melissa Heston, Associate Professor of Education, UNI
"If you view schools as inclusive and are looking for ways to educate that benefit all students, then that's inclusive."
Dr. Barry Wilson, Head, Department. of Ed Psych and Foundations, UNI
"The millions of typically-developing students currently enrolled in schools are future firefighters, nurses, store clerks, teachers, job coaches, legislators, secretaries, physicians, school board members, employers, voters, doctors, lawyers, budget determiners, policy analysts, coworkers, police officers, and taxpayers. Approximately 15% of them will become parents of children with disabilities. A larger proportion will have a friend, neighbor, or relative who is the parent of a child with a disability and many others will be paid to provide services to people with disabilities."
Excerpt taken from: Lou Brown, University of Wisconsin, Madison
And from parents...
After my son is out of public school, he'll be living and working with a diverse population of people. I want him to be accepted after he's out of school as much as when he's in school. For me, that's why inclusionis a key while he's in school.
You could just see the difference in him; he had done like a 180 degree turnaround. He was just so happy— and he talked about kids in school all the time.
She's done wonderfully and every year she's made great gains and I have every belief that she's made great gains because she's in an inclusive setting.
These quotes can be found at: www.uni.edu/coe/inclusion/philosophy/philosophy.html
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