1
Melissa Butler
English 1010
In America, every individual has the right to attend school. For children, school is vital
because it provides an education while providing social interaction. This setting is important for
all children, both those that are typical and those that are disabled. A disability is any condition
that limits an individual’s physical, cognitive, or social functioning abilities. In the USA alone,
51.2 million individuals have some level of disability. This accounts for 18% of the population.
While some children with disabilities may thrive in school, others may struggle their way
through. But all children deserve an appropriate education.
Many people believe that full inclusion is best for all children because it allows them to
learn in a natural environment and creates opportunities to build friendships with non-disabled
peers. Schools also predict that by cutting out special education classrooms, money could be
saved. Although the individuals with special needs often feel inadequate in their academic
abilities, having all children together allows the teachers to learn a variety of teaching
techniques, and encourages peers to accept differences among people. However, with so many
kids in a classroom, either the disabled student doesn’t get adequate attention and help, or the
class as a whole falls behind. Children that exhibit inappropriate behaviors can also disrupt the
functioning of a class. While it’s a nice idea that all students accept each other, it may be difficult
for students to feel comfortable around a peer that shows inappropriate behavior.
There are also people that believe any child that is struggling academically or socially
due to a disability should be placed in a full day self-contained classroom, where the students
remain with the same teacher for all subjects. A self-contained classroom consists of a small
group of students with unique struggles and a teacher that is highly trained in giving the support
needed for those struggles. These teachers are also likely to have additional help from aides. In
2
this setting there is a smaller student to teacher ratio, allowing one-on-one work when necessary.
Also, the lesson plans are simpler than those in full inclusion classrooms and the class is able to
move at a slower pace. This setting allows children with disabilities to receive extra attention,
while preventing typical children from falling behind. While this setting is beneficial in many
ways, it does have its drawbacks. Because the students with disabilities are in one classroom
together, they don’t have many chances to interact with their non-disabled peers. Students in a
self contained classroom may begin to mimic another student’s inappropriate behavior. Students
may also lack the academic challenge they need in some areas because they are moving forward
with the class at a lower level.
People with disabilities should be in the least restrictive environment as possible.
Restricting children by keeping them in self-contained classrooms is not the answer. Placing all
children regardless of disability into a full inclusion setting is also not the answer. Each child
with special needs should be carefully considered, placing them only in as much inclusion as is
appropriate.
Everyone has a desire to be liked by their peers. Although full inclusion places disabled
children with their peers, friendship and acceptance aren’t guaranteed. Typical children may
become frustrated with those that are disabled, and the disabled children may feel uncomfortable
and embarrassed when their academic level differs. These negative feelings may create a barrier
between friendships. Self contained classrooms can also prevent friendships. This segregated
classroom setting doesn’t provide opportunity for typical and disabled peers to interact. A better
solution would be to create a situation for social interaction without having academic
comparison. Combining classes for activities such as art, music, and other elective classes would
allow the children to express themselves at different levels without competition from their peers.
3
Often, children with disabilities may struggle in one academic area while excelling in
another. Placing a child in a full inclusion classroom may be beneficial in some areas, while
destroying an already difficult subject. But placing a child in a self-contained classroom may
have the same results. Instead, children with disabilities need to be in the appropriate classroom
at the appropriate time. If the student is on grade level in math, then he or she should be in the
general education classroom during their math lesson. If he or she struggles in reading and
writing, then they should be in the self-contained classroom during that time, receiving the
attention and flexibility needed. Being in the self-contained classroom for difficult subjects
would prevent other students from seeing them struggle, taking away reasons for teasing and
bullying.
It is no secret that school districts are tight on money. One idea that has been proposed is
to save money by cutting out all self-contained classrooms, and integrating the children into full
inclusion classrooms. After all, self-contained classrooms require money for extra buses, special
equipment and materials, extra teachers, and space. But the truth is, no matter where these
students are placed, the money will need to be spent. Placing all children into full inclusion
would require that all teachers receive additional training, and that many students receive
personal assistants. Special equipment and materials would also be needed in most classrooms.
Since money will be needed no matter where the children are placed, each individual may as
well be placed in the class that will be most beneficial in their situation.
Full inclusion and self-contained classrooms can be restricting for children with
disabilities. Each child should be carefully considered, and should only be placed in as much
inclusion as is appropriate for their individual needs. Although all children need healthy
relationships with their peers, friendships aren’t guaranteed in a certain setting or situation.
4
However, friendships can be encouraged. Teachers should encourage acceptance and social
interaction between typical children and children that are disabled by combining class activities.
Also, one classroom alone does not always satisfy a disabled child’s academic needs. A child
with disabilities should be allowed to move between two classrooms in order to appropriately
challenge their individual academic level. Funding is also a problem in the school systems today
and should not be a reason to cut the support that so many children need. Special education
services will need to be covered no matter where the students are located, so the students should
be placed appropriately. If children with disabilities are considered individually, they will be able
to reach their full potential.