One of the educational topics most dear to my heart is true inclusion of special education students in general education classrooms. Too often, I fear that teachers feel that special education students should be seen and not heard. I have gone into too many classrooms to see special education students isolated, stuck in a desk in a corner so they don't "disturb" the rest of the class.
I know that it is unfair for one student to prevent the rest of the class from learning. I also understand that teachers are vastly outnumbered. However, putting the special education student in a corner by themselves is not a solution. After all, the main benefit of inclusion is socialization for the special education student, and a lesson in acceptance and compassion for general students. How can the be accomplished with isolation?
Therefore, I think that all teachers should do whatever is in their power to ensure that all students are participating as much as possible in every aspect of the classroom. Special education students should be seen as students who have to be accommodated, they should not be seen as burdens.
