CLASS INFORMATION 2020-2021
As the special education teacher and case manger for the special education students grades 6-8, I am governed by the IDEA Act. The IDEA, Individual Disabilities Education Act, states that "all special education students" should learn in the least restrictive environment. This least restrictive environment is referred to as "the inclusive classroom". Just as my students spend their school day in the inclusive classroom, so do I. Therefore, I do not have a classroom where I teach students.
What is the inclusive classroom?
The inclusive classroom is compromised of both special education students and non-special education students. The inclusive classroom begins in kindergarten and continues through the eighth grade at South. The ratio for special education students and non-special education students in the inclusive classroom cannot exceed 50/50.
What is my role in the inclusive classroom?
My role in the inclusive classroom is to provide differential instruction to my students because each student learns differently. This differential instruction may be a small group, reading to the students, or having the students read orally to me. This form of instruction is dictated by each special education student's IEP(Individual Education Plan).
What is taught in the inclusive classroom?
The special education students in the inclusive classroom are held responsible for learning the same grade level standards as their peers. They are given the same classroom assignments as their peers, and they are evaluated of mastering these standards in the same manner(e.g., standardized tests and/or teacher tests). However, accommodations are applied to each assignment/test based upon each student's individual IEP.
Are there benefits for an inclusive classroom?
Yes, there are benefits of the inclusive classroom. Some of the benefits are: reduced stigma for the special education students, non-special education students and special education students learn to respect individualities, and the special education students are held to the same grade level expectations both academically and behaviorally.