Is it better for children who have special needs to be included into a “mainstream” classroom, or, will children with special needs benefit more from spending most of the school day in a special education classroom? This debate has been going on for decades. Perhaps it is time for schools to ask what parents think about this issue. The debate about whether or not to include children who have special needs into “mainstream” classrooms is one that tends to evoke strong emotions in both parents and educators. In the past, the accepted answer to this question has swung back and … Continue reading →

A school district in Missouri is facing anger from parents. The school has been conducting Special Education classes in trailers and segregating students who have special needs away from their peers. Parents want their kids to have a classroom inside the building. The school district says they don’t have the funds to make any changes. The current trend in Special Education emphasizes inclusion. Historically, the pendulum of public opinion swings from wanting all students who have special needs to be isolated from the general population to wanting all students to be together, regardless of special needs. As a former teacher, … Continue reading →