Inclusion is a term used to describe the ideology that each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, should be educated in the school and classroom he or she would otherwise attend. It involves bringing support services to the child (rather than moving the child to the services) and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class (rather than having to keep up with the other students).
Those who support full inclusion believe all students, regardless of his or her disability, should be in a regular classroom/program full time, and all educational services the child needs should be provided to the child in the general education classroom.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act does not require inclusion. However, the law does require that children with disabilities must, to the maximum extent appropriate, be educated in the least restrictive environment. IDEA considers the general education classroom to be the least restrictive environment.
To help you understand all aspects of inclusion and effectively include students with disabilities in general education classes where appropriate, CEC has created this resource. It includes information on instructional strategies for inclusion as well as CEC policies and resources.