His mother commented
that he came home every day humming with a huge smile on his face
Students in an
inclusion classroom learn to be patient with others. They learn directly that every person has
different needs as well as strengths (“Mainstreaming”)
They, as well as their parents, also show a
diminished fear of human differences (“Special Education Inclusion”)
Even the parents of these
students have positive feelings regarding the experience. One survey discovered that 89% of parents
would enroll their child in an inclusive classroom again (Staub)
Helping someone
else teaches a child things not generally taught in the classroom. Many students have reported that, “for the
first time, they had a real reason to thoroughly learn the material they were
studying in the classroom and, as a result, got better grades” (Stainback, Inclusion
215).
One important
element for success is the approach towards diversity
Special education creates dependence and feelings of helplessness for students who are placed in it.
Many learning-disabled students are coming out of special education and are feeling overwhelmed in college. Many suffered from feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and low self-expectations.
only 13% of students with learning disabilities compared to 53% of students in general population have attended a 4-year post secondary school program within two years of leaving high school.”
"least restrictive environment" mandated by the Education for
All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-142; now the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).