Early childhood forum definition of inclusion

Week 1 - Discussion 1
History of Inclusion

How did we get to where we are today with inclusive education? There are many different answers to this question. Depending upon the era that you examine you will discover how we arrived at this point in special education. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that inclusive education is where it is today because of a series of movements, policies, and laws that have been implemented in order to ensure the needs of each and every child. Meeting the educational needs of all children is of utmost importance and is the cornerstone of education. In this first discussion forum, you will learn about the history of inclusion.

To prepare for this discussion,

· Please refer to the Week One Guidance for further tips and examples that will support your success on this discussion.

· Read textbook Chapter 1: What is Special Education?

· Read Special Education Trends (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

In your post,

· Describe the movement towards inclusive education, including historical policies and laws, and their relationship to effective teaching.

· Examine how policies and laws have influenced current trends for inclusive environments.

· Explain how understanding the history of inclusion will allow you to better meet the needs of the diverse learners you support.

Week 1 - Discussion 2

What is Inclusion?

Now that you have a better understanding of the history of inclusion, from watching the video above Dear Teacher: Heartfelt Advice for Teachers From Students (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., it is important that you understand all of the elements that must be implemented to ensure that each and every child is included in your educational setting. Our textbook defines inclusion as “The education of students with disabilities along with students without disabilities in the LRE to the maximum extent appropriate” (Powell & Driver, 2013, section 1.3). This definition of inclusion is further defined by the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and states must adhere to those mandates. However, your personal feelings and philosophy about inclusion may differ from what is required by law. You will likely incorporate your personal beliefs into your definition of inclusion. In this discussion we will take a deeper look at what inclusion is.

To prepare for this discussion,

· Please refer to the Week One Guidance for further tips and examples that will support your success on this discussion.

· Read textbook Chapter 2: Teaching Students in Special Education.

· Read the article Inclusion for young children with disabilities: A quarter century of research perspectives . (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Read the article Differentiated Instruction: Reaching All Students Preview the document.

In your post,

· Define inclusion and differentiation in your own words. Make sure to include the similarities and differences you see between the two.

· Discuss why inclusive and differentiated education is more than the ability to learn and is a process that engages issues of differences across ability, race, culture, age, and economic status. Include specific examples of what this might look like in the environment in which you work or plan to work. Use the chart below for suggested examples of environments based on your degree program.

Bachelor’s of Arts In Early childhood Education is My degree program

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Degree Program

Examples of Environments

Bachelor of Arts in Child Development

· Child care

· Child advocacy

Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Studies

· Mental Health Facilities/Organizations

· Tutoring

· Adult Education

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development with Differentiated Instruction

· Teacher Aide

· Teacher Assistant

· Paraprofessional

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

· Public or private schools

· Head Start

· Early Intervention

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Administration

· Public or private schools

· Head Start

· Early Intervention

· Administration

Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies

· Public or private schools

Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media

· Library or Media Center

Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies

· Public or private schools, domestic and abroad

· Adult Education

· Tutoring