What’s The Opposite Of Meaningful Inclusion?
Often when parents advocate for their child to be included in general education classrooms and settings they will receive some push back from educators. This can be in the form of eye rolls, the sideways glance to a peer, or a variety of comments:
“We want to make sure your child can be successful first.”
“Our school has a couple inclusion classes for higher functioning students.”
“It would be difficult for your child to keep up with the other students.”
“In our building we want to make sure students have meaningful inclusion, not just to be included for inclusion sake.”
“There’s so much your child can learn in our special education class that will help him get ready for some inclusion.”
I don’t know about you, but if I hear “get ready” one more time, I may pull my hair out!!!
So, what can you say when you hear these type of comments at IEP meetings? Here is one situation:
“Our school has a couple inclusion classes for higher functioning students.”
Response: Inclusive education is not just for certain students. It is about access, participation, and outcomes for all students who are marginalized in school settings. Students that are most impacted by their disabilities deserve and need to be educated with their same-aged peers. Their peers deserve and need the opportunity to know the gifts of all students.
Want more ideas of what to say when you get push back about inclusion for your child? Want to find out what the opposite of meaningful inclusion is? Click here to download a free handout.
Would you love some more ideas about how your child can be included? Give me a call and let’s talk 208.340.5874 or email me at charmaine@cspeda.com
Take care,
Charmaine
