JOURNAL ANALYSIS PAPER 2
Abstract
The pros and cons of inclusion have been a topic of discussion since it was first
introduced in the 1990s. From the beginning, inclusive education, like any other educational
topic, has evolved from historical, cultural, geographic, and societal progress. Research has
produced results that support both inclusion and the more traditional practice of schooling. This
analysis looks at three different views on the inclusion education model and proposes reasons
that substantiate their stances as stated in each article. It is interesting to see the different
viewpoints in the articles as well as the arguments that are made for inclusion versus the typical
general education classroom.
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Inclusion is the act of mainstreaming students with special needs into general education
classrooms. There’s a debate about the benefits of 100% inclusion in the classroom community
(Press, W., 2024). This article focuses on the pros and cons of inclusion and provides valid
reasons for both viewpoints. On the positive side, the inclusive classroom offers unique learning
experiences alongside peers who are typically developing. Teachers are afforded the opportunity
to cater to their students' individual needs in an integrated environment which will ensure their
academic and social success. The article went on to say that integration aids the school budget by
combining resources and solves the problem of students with special needs being segregated. On
the other hand, according to Press (2024), one of the downfalls of an inclusive classroom is the
lack of adequate training for teachers to be able to handle the various needs and behaviors of
students who have disabilities. As a result, their academic and social needs are not being met,
whereas if they were in a classroom designed exclusively for children with special needs, the
teacher might be more equipped to handle such situations, ensuring student success.
“Together We Learn Better: Inclusive Schools Benefit All Children,” Stetson &
Associates (2024), is in favor of an inclusive setting. One of the most important principles of
inclusive education is that no two learners are alike, so inclusive schools place great importance
on creating opportunities for students to learn and be assessed in a variety of ways (Stetson &
Associates, 2024). Therefore, teachers in inclusive classrooms must examine multiple ways of
learning when creating instruction that will diversify the learning experience for all students.
They go on to say that having access to various academic supports in an inclusion setting will
make the full curriculum readily available, ensuring success for all students. Inclusion can also
maximize staff availability and materials for students, which takes full advantage of the school’s
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resources. In addition, this article points out that the behavioral supports that are provided in an
inclusive setting provide a safe and positive learning environment for all its students which is
essential for student success.
“Concerns about and arguments against inclusion and/or full inclusion,” American
Institute for Research (2024), discusses the downfalls of inclusion. Not everyone is excited about
bringing students with disabilities into the mainstream classroom setting (American Institute for
Research, 2024).DResearch that was completed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in
West Virginia found that 78% of those surveyed stated that students would not benefit from
inclusion practices while 87% believed that it would not be successful for typically developing
students either. General education teachers are not the only ones who are concerned about the
inclusion model, as parents and special educators are also uneasy about this type of classroom.
Parents are concerned that inclusive educational practices will cause a loss of advocacy for their
children as the responsibility of their education will shift from the special education teacher to
the general educator. The article points out that children who are disabled are not getting the
appropriate care they deserve, while the typically developing students’ education is interrupted
constantly in an inclusive classroom due to the unique needs of the children with disabilities.
Furthermore, inclusion does not make sense from the state legislature's point of view when
creating higher academic standards for the success of all students.
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for
you are all one in Christ Jesus” (English Standard Version, Galatians 3:28). This verse speaks to
the importance of inclusion as each of us are created by God making us all one. Teaching with a
biblical worldview is doing God’s work by avoiding segregation and treating students equally in
an inclusive setting but with more educational and behavioral supports in place to meet
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individual needs. We seek reconciliation across all the boundaries that divide us because Christ
reconciles sinners to God and has broken down the dividing wall that separates people and
communities from one another (Christ-Centered Rationale for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion,
2024). The important job of teaching students with special needs is truly a calling from God, and
he would expect us to be inclusive in a Christian worldview setting to ensure all students’
success.
JOURNAL ANALYSIS PAPER 6
References
American Institute for Research. (2024). Concerns about and arguments against inclusion
and/or full inclusion. Sedl.org. https://sedl.org/
Christ-Centered Rationale for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. (2024). Www.whitworth.edu.
https://www.whitworth.edu/
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online.Dhttps://esv.literalword.com
Press, W. (2024). What are the pros and cons of a 100% inclusion model of teaching?
Www.masters-In-Teaching.com. https://www.masters-in-teaching.com/
Stetson & Associates. (2024). Together we learn better: inclusive schools benefit all children.
Inclusiveschools.org. https://inclusiveschools.org/
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